Do you dream of being able to step outside and harvest nutrient-dense food straight from your own organic garden? Do you want to grow fruits and vegetables that you can't find in typical Maryland grocery stores? Set yourself up for success by choosing a property that has the ideal conditions for a productive, thriving garden!
The following list has the essential questions you should ask while touring properties and doing your due diligence.
1. Which areas of the yard receive the most sunlight?
Most vegetables, fruit trees, and flowers require plenty of sunlight in order to thrive, while some more delicate herbs and leafy greens prefer partially shaded positions.
Determine which areas of the yard receive full, partial, and filtered sunlight, and which remain fully shaded by trees, shrubs, and structures as the sun moves from east to west across the sky. Take note of any south-facing walls that can provide warm, sheltered sites for sun and heat loving plants.
2. What is the current condition of the soil?
As you walk around the property, assess the condition of the soil. Is it hard and dry? Are there dead spots where nothing is growing? Are some areas muddy and waterlogged? Take note of the areas that may require some rehabilitation to become fertile garden sites.
A soil test can also provide more detailed information about the status of the soil, but make sure to order as soon as possible if your offer is contingent upon having been able to review the results.
3. What is the home's water source?
Find out if the home is on municipal water or if it has a well. Also, take note of additional water resources such as ponds and streams. Conscientious gardeners will want to avoid irrigating with chlorinated water which can kill beneficial organisms in the soil and your compost piles.
Rainwater harvesting and storage systems, whether in the form of storage tanks or man-made ponds, are another valuable asset for the home gardener, particularly since the Maryland-DC-Virginia areas are prone to experiencing extended dry periods during the summer. Rainwater is seen as superior for cultivating plants, and the ability to store significant quantities of rainwater runoff on site will reduce utility costs.
4. How does the topography impact your garden design plans?
Steep slopes are more suitable for certain trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses, whereas annual vegetables and plants that need to be uprooted will do better on flatter surfaces so as to prevent erosion of the soil.
Raised beds, containers, or contouring of the soil may be indicated for challenging landscapes or to maximize your growing area.
5. Are there any windbreaks for the garden or will they need to be installed?
Often overlooked, windbreaks provide a great benefit to the home garden. They provide protection to delicate plants by buffering high winds, and they have been proven to increase the productivity of plants.
Windbreaks can be in the form of trees, shrubs, fences, and other structures.
6. Are there native forests and existing vegetation within or bordering the property?
Forested areas with mature trees provide habitat for a diversity of wildlife such as birds, insects, foxes and more. A healthy population of these native animals can help to keep garden “pests” in check and will help to prevent the spread of invasive plants and insects.
If there is a large population of white tail deer, as there are in many areas of Maryland, fencing, netting, or living hedges may be appropriate to prevent browsing deer from using your garden as a buffet.
7. Does the HOA restrict where you can place a vegetable garden?
HOA communities are notorious for having strict rules governing the appearance of yards, particularly front and side yards that border the street. Many HOA’s restrict the use of the front yard for anything other than “ornamental” landscaping. This means that a typical vegetable garden plot would be out of the question in a front yard. That being said, things like berry bushes, and attractive edible plants like amaranth and sunflower might pass the HOA's scrutiny (who are they do judge plant anyways!)
There may also be various requirements regarding tree placement, the installation of fencing, and the construction of sheds, greenhouses and other auxiliary structures.
In Maryland, prospective home purchasers are granted a 5 day period to review the HOA’s CCR’s (covenants, conditions, and restrictions). Review these carefully to be sure that they do not conflict with your garden plans!
Finding a Maryland home with your Ideal Garden Site
Finding an appropriate home garden site doesn't need to be complicated. Maryland has a great climate for growing, and plants are surprisingly resilient. Ask these seven questions for any home that you are interested in and your garden will be flourishing in no time!