Rehabilitating very a poor plot
I've never purposefully grown anything here, and I'm looking to restore it. I am more concerned about functionality than aesthetics. I just want to be able to grow some native plants for insects and birds to enjoy, I don't care if it's well-groomed.
My current thinking is:
- Rake the soil to remove years of dispersed gravel rocks
- Add cheap topsoil all over the yard for more organic matter
- Plant ground-cover to stop erosion and moisture loss
- Plant some wildflowers and shrubs around the perimeter of the yard
Some questions:
- What to do with the leaf-litter? Should I leave it to assimilate into the soil? Should I pick it up and put it back on top after I add topsoil? Should I bury it underneath the new topsoil? Has it served its purpose and should I just get rid of it?
- Is adding a bunch of topsoil going to be enough to grow native wildflowers, or will I need to add fertilizer, calcium, etc.?
- Any recommendation for ground-cover that will quickly take hold and save me from any more erosion from Spring thunderstorms?
- Is it too late to plant? The last frost was probably 1.5 weeks ago.
- Any other suggestions or corrections?
I am a complete beginner, I will take any feedback you have.
