"Ike Porter" wrote in message
...
I've lived at my current address for some time, and it's had a small
mulching setup that I've just torn down because it's turned into an
eyesore after being used for anything but mulching. I spred the dirt and
it's a nice dark brown and it strikes me that it'd be a good place for a
garden. It's situated under a deck, but there's plenty of room to move
around in there. I'm interested in finding out information on how to get
started. Do I have to do anything to treat the soil before I do anything?
Is it too late in the year to plant anything? What sorts of things can I
plant that will do well in low light? I live in Maryland just south of
Baltimore. What will I want to concider in planning the garden that I
won't know to think of? I'm not afraid of making mistakes, but I'd like to
get advice rather than just jumping into it. Thanks for any help! I've
done some web searching but can't seem to narrow it down enough to get
good information.



Screw the web. Right this minute, go to your favorite book seller's web site
and buy a book called "The Complete Shade Gardener", by George Schenck. I
know Barnes & Noble has it. There are several hundred terrific shade plants
in that book, all described in detail, along with accurate info on what
planting zones they'll survive in. You're in a wonderful climate for
gardening, by the way.

Rather than recommend specific plants, I'd suggest taking the book to some
plant sellers (not home improvement centers), look for things that you find
attractive, consult the book and the people who run the place, and then take
things home.

OK...one recommendation: Ferns. :-) Everybody likes ferns of one kind or
another.