Gardens are beautiful, but many people are intimidated by the upkeep they require. Plants can take a lot of time, energy, and patience, but some smart strategies can cut the necessary work in half. You don’t need to be a botanist or provide 24/7 labor to keep your garden thriving. You may find gardening easier than ever when you learn some neat tricks of the trade.
Plants get nutrients from the soil, whether you plant in pots or the ground itself. Poor quality soil can severely impact your plant’s health. Even if you do everything right, a lack of nutrients or poor quality can kill your plants. If you’re planting in the ground, take some soil samples and get them tested for pH and toxins. If you’re planting in containers, consider looking for some fertilized dirt and soil for sale to keep your garden happy and healthy without worrying about toxins. Remember, plants will eventually use up the fertilizer in a pot, as there’s a finite amount of soil. Make sure to fertilize plants regularly, but with caution—overfertilizing the soil can be deadly, too!
While it may be tempting to choose any plant or flower you find attractive, this may not be the best choice. Some flowers are picky about water, sunlight, soil quality, and even humidity levels. Other flowers may not be native to your area and have trouble growing in your home’s natural climate. You’ll have a better chance growing native and hardy plants in your area. Research the native plants in your area for an easier time; they’ll require less water and hands-on care than other plants. Plants like ornamental grasses, lavender, and coneflowers are beloved examples of some of the hardiest plants out there. Research or check a plant’s tags for its status as a perennial as well. A perennial plant will come back every year when the weather gets warm. An annual plant will die for good each year, requiring you to replant it if you want it to return.
Ground cover can make a huge difference in your plants’ health, especially if you live in particularly dry or hot areas. Mulch can help the soil retain moisture to keep your plants from excessively drying out. As a bonus, applying mulch to the top of your soil can reduce the amount of watering you need to do for a less stressful gardening experience. Mulch is very affordable, particularly in bulk.
If you love the look of a garden but often forget to water your plants, there are many solutions you can take advantage of. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation can keep your plants steadily watered over time. Automated sprinkler systems can be set to a schedule to conserve water and add convenience to your gardening routine. If you don’t want to use excessive water, leave watering cans or barrels outside to collect rainwater easily.
Starting a garden in the ground can be tricky; you’ll have to deal with weeds, soil quality, and deep digging with longer roots. Container planting eliminates those issues. Weeds won’t grow in your pots, and you can move them wherever you like when the weather turns sour. You’re also in control of the nutrients in a container, which is much easier to manage. Plants in pots can be placed on balconies, windowsills, or even hung in the air for ultimate versatility. You can also keep potted plants indoors to protect them from pests and allow easier access.
If you’re wondering how to keep your grass in pristine condition, you may want to replace it with something else entirely. Grass grows quickly and is susceptible to diseases, pests, and fungi. You can swap it for ground cover like moss or clover, which is easier to keep alive and doesn’t require regular mowing. These ground covers are also much better at preventing weeds from growing, too.
It can be confusing to choose the best fertilizer for your lawn. Too many nutrients, and you can overdose your garden; too few, and you’ll see a limit in your plants’ health. Toxic fertilizer can harm your pets or natural wildlife as well. The best type of fertilizer is often natural and can be made without any additional expenses. A compost pile creates nutrients in the soil when the organic material decomposes. You can start a compost pile by adding organic waste like eggshells or coffee grounds to a bin or pile in your yard.
Many people are frightened by insects in their garden, especially when it comes to ones that sting. Stinging insects like bees play a significant role in the health of your garden. Bees are a type of pollinator, along with butterflies, hummingbirds, and other creatures. They harvest pollen from flowers, allowing them to spread and thrive. You shouldn’t deter them from showing up. They provide a benefit to the environment around you, including your yard.
If you’ve struggled with a green thumb, it can be discouraging and stressful to maintain a garden. You can make the process much easier with smart plant choices, homegrown fertilizer, and automated irrigation. Don’t be afraid of pollinators like bees; they can make your job easier. Consider container gardening for more control and versatility. With careful planning and research, you can easily create the beautiful garden you’ve dreamed of.
