Starting a new landscape bed can be a deeply rewarding project. Whether you're updating a tired foundation planting or creating a new garden space, taking the time to prepare properly will save you time and headaches in the long run—especially in a place like Madison, Wisconsin where so many plants (and weeds!) love to grow. This post will walk you through the critical steps of preparing your bed, with special attention to proper grading, weed control, and sustainable plant selection.

1. Grading and Drainage: Protect Your Home First

One of the most overlooked aspects of landscape bed preparation is grading—how the ground slopes in relation to your home. Poor grading can direct water toward your foundation rather than away from it, increasing the risk of basement moisture, mold, and structural damage.

Local Building Code Guidance

In Madison (and under the International Residential Code adopted in Wisconsin), the standard guideline for grading is:

Minimum slope: The ground should slope away from the house at a rate of at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet (a 5% slope).
Soil clearance: Soil, mulch, or landscape materials must be kept at least 6 inches below wood siding or framing to prevent rot and pest infiltration.

Refer to:

Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC): Comm 21.125 (Drainage)
IRC R401.3: Surface Drainage
Madison Building Inspection Guidelines also reinforce this slope requirement to prevent negative drainage.

Before planting, take time to regrade your soil if necessary. Use a long level or string line to measure slope. If water tends to pool near your foundation, consider bringing in clean fill to build up the grade, and then top it with compost or quality topsoil for planting.

2. Weed Control: Stop the Problem Before It Starts

One of the most frustrating mistakes new gardeners make is failing to eliminate perennial weeds before planting. Aggressive species like quackgrass, creeping bellflower, and ground ivy can quickly take over a new bed if not addressed up front.

Strategies for Perennial Weed Removal

Manual removal: For small beds, dig out roots completely using a spade or garden fork.
Sheet mulching: Smother weeds by layering cardboard or newspaper, followed by 4–6 inches of mulch. Wait several weeks before planting.
Solarization (for summer preparation): Cover the area with clear plastic during the hottest weeks to cook the weeds and seeds.
Herbicide use : If using glyphosate-based products, apply only on calm days, and follow local environmental guidelines. May require multiple applications to be effective.

Taking these steps early can save you from endless weeding down the road.

3. Smart Plant Selection: Think Long Term

It’s tempting to stroll through a garden center in spring and grab every blooming plant that catches your eye—but resist. Many plants sold in nurseries are selected for instant curb appeal, not long-term success.

Why Research Matters

Climate suitability: Madison is (newly!) in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, meaning plants must withstand cold winters. That said, just because a plant is hardy to zone 5b doesn’t guarantee it can stand up to all our winter conditions. Choose protected areas for more sensitive plants.
Soil compatibility: Test your soil's texture, pH, and drainage. Wisconsin has a wide variety of soil types and plants that thrive forty five minutes north of Madison aren’t always likely to thrive here. Plus- learning about what’s under your feet is fun!
Mature size: Many plants grow far larger than the labeled "container size" might suggest. Shrubs labeled as 3 feet tall may reach 6–8 feet in a few years. Annual pruning can keep large woody plants manageable, but be realistic about the time we want to spend tending growth.
Invasiveness: Some popular plants, like vinca minor, can become aggressive and disrupt local ecosystems. Double check invasive potential before putting a new plant in your garden- especially if it’s a groundcover.
Salt and snow: If you’re planting near a walkway, road, or sidewalk, think about where snow and salt get piled in the winter. Some plants are more tolerant of this than others.

Tools to Help You Choose Wisely

The Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder is an excellent tool to help you select plants suited to your conditions:
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx

This resource allows you to filter by zone, sun exposure, soil type, moisture, plant type, and more—helping you choose plants that will thrive, not just survive.

Design Tips

Layer plants by height and bloom time for season-long interest.
Include native plants like Echinacea pallida, Sporobolis heterolepis, and , and for better resilience and pollinator support.
Leave room between plants based on their mature spread, not their nursery size.
Group plants with similar needs together (sun/shade, wet/dry).

Final Thoughts

A successful landscape bed in Madison starts with smart planning, strong foundations, and thoughtful design. Grade the area to keep water moving away from your house. Tackle perennial weeds early and thoroughly. And most importantly, do your homework when choosing plants—resist the urge to impulse buy, and aim for a landscape that works in harmony with your soil, your home, and the Wisconsin climate.

By investing a little extra effort up front, you'll enjoy a healthier, more beautiful landscape for years to come. If you need professional assistance, submit a form on our website, aspengardenandlandscape.com, or shoot us a call or email!