Beginner in Landscaping Where Should I Start?

[Ross Steven]

Hello,
I am interested in getting into landscaping, but I honestly don’t know where to begin. I have a decent-sized yard here in Milton, Ontario that I’d love to improve, but the whole process feels a bit overwhelming. Should I start with plants, soil prep, or something else?
Another thing I’m worried about is picking the right plants. I don’t want to plant something that won’t survive in my area or requires too much maintenance. Are there any beginner-friendly plants or shrubs that are easy to care for?
Also, how do you all keep up with weeds? I feel like no matter what I do, they always come back! Are there any tricks to keep them under control without using a ton of chemicals?
Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated! Looking forward to hearing from experienced landscapers and gardeners. Thanks in advance!

 

[Meadowlark]

Welcome @Ross Steven! Good questions. I'm not a pro and mostly self-taught gardener, but maybe can offer a little useful advice especially as related to veggies.

... Should I start with plants, soil prep, or something else?

A plan is a good place to start. It should address both plants and soil prep but the actual work should begin with the soil prep after your plan is determined. Know the ph requirements of the plants you select and prep the tested soil accordingly with a lot of organic matter.

... I don’t want to plant something that won’t survive in my area or requires too much maintenance. Are there any beginner-friendly plants or shrubs that are easy to care for?

Plant what you like from your observations. Talk to neighbors about plants they have you like and their maintenance needs. Local neighborhood nurseries are a good place to discuss local plants. The big "Boxstores" are NOT. They are only interested in selling you something...regardless of whether it works in your climate or not.

...Also, how do you all keep up with weeds? I feel like no matter what I do, they always come back! Are there any tricks to keep them under control without using a ton of chemicals?

I started my veggie garden decades ago in an old hay field...talk about weeds. Persistence and prevention are the two "Ps" in weed control. Persistence in never letting the weeds go to seed and prevention in never letting the ground go idle, uncovered for long periods of time. Now, weeds just aren't a problem, and very little effort is required to control them...and over 90% of the veggies we consume comes from my garden and has for many decades.

I use tried and true techniques e.g. cover crops, green manure, chop and drop, composted animal manure, crop rotation, in my gardening all without the use of any synthetic fertilizers and/or "cides" pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc. etc.

Some say it is harder that way, but for me once you get there, it is actually much easier. Good luck!

 

[redback]

In Canada you've got something called snow which we don't have here in Australia (apart from the one bit on our meagre mountain range).
Think about drainage when the snow melts. It will drain to the lowest spot so mentally mark that area down as a wetland or pond.
Consider a glasshouse attached to the southside of your house. You will be doing something inside when it's snowing outside.
Because I'm a vegetable gardener I would recommend that your look up the most popular summer crops for your area. Broccoli is a great plant; spinach is easy and versatile.
Good luck.