If you’re passionate about your garden and want to keep it looking its best, then you need to know how to maintain it like a pro. Fortunately, it’s not as challenging as you may believe. With a little knowledge and effort, you can keep your garden healthy and beautiful all year round. Here are 6 practical tips for maintaining your garden like a pro:
Have The Right Gardening Gear
One of the most important things you need for maintaining your garden is the right gear. Without the proper tools, it will be much harder to keep your garden in tip-top shape. Make sure you have a good set of gardening gloves, a trowel, a rake, and a shovel.
These will help you with all sorts of gardening tasks, from planting to weeding to mulching. The experts from Harper’s Nurseries recommend also having a pair of pruners on hand for trimming plants and bushes. Another important piece of gear is a good hose. A hose will help you water your plants and garden easily. Make sure to get one that’s durable and has a spray nozzle so you can adjust the water pressure. You may also want to consider getting a sprinkler system installed to help keep your garden watered.
Examine Plants Before Purchasing
When you’re at the nursery or garden center examining potential purchases, take a close look at the plants. Check for signs of pests or disease, and make sure the plant is a good match for the spot where you intend to put it in your garden. It’s also important to make sure that the plant is the right size for your needs.
If a plant is too tall or too big, it will be difficult to care for properly. Conversely, a plant that’s too small may not provide the coverage you’re looking for. Choose plants that are a good size for your garden and that are healthy and pest-free.
For example, if you’re looking for a shrub to plant in your front yard, make sure it’s not too big or too tall. A good rule of thumb is to choose a plant that will be about one-third the height of your house. This will ensure that the plant is proportional to your home and easy to care for. Likewise, if you’re looking for a ground cover, make sure it’s not too tiny.
Water Them Carefully
Watering your garden properly is one of the most important aspects of keeping it healthy and vibrant. Over-watering can lead to problems such as disease, mold, and mildew, while under-watering will cause your plants to wilt and eventually die.
The best way to water your garden is to do it early in the morning or late in the evening, to give the water time to soak into the soil without evaporating in the heat of the day. watering by hand with a hose or watering can is best, as it allows you to control the amount of water each plant gets. If you must use an automatic sprinkler system, be sure to set it on a timer so that the plants don’t get too much or too little water.
Watch Out For Bugs
One of the most important things to remember when maintaining your garden is to watch out for bugs. Insects can wreak havoc on your plants, causing them to wilt, die, and become diseased. Be on the lookout for signs of insects such as holes in leaves, chewed-up flowers, or sticky sap. Take action right away if you spot any of these indicators. There are a variety of ways to get rid of bugs, such as using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or diatomaceous earth. You can also try physically removing the bugs by hand or using a vacuum cleaner.
Fertilize
Fertilizing your garden is important for maintaining its health and beauty. There are a variety of fertilizers available, so it’s important to choose the right one for your plants. If you’re not sure what type of fertilizer to use, ask a professional at your local nursery or gardening center. They can help you select the best fertilizer for your specific plants.
Most fertilizers come in granular or liquid form. Granular fertilizer is easy to apply and can be spread evenly over the garden with a rake. Liquid fertilizer is best applied with a watering can or hose, so that it can be directed straight to the roots of the plants.
Fill Spaces With Grass
If you have open spaces in your garden, consider filling them in with grass. The grass is easy to care for and can add a touch of green to your landscape. There are a variety of grasses to choose from, so you can find one that’s perfect for your garden. Be sure to select a type of grass that’s appropriate for the amount of sun and shade in your garden.
To plant grass, simply dig a hole that’s big enough to accommodate the roots of the plant. Then, place the plant in the hole and backfill it with soil. Water the area well and keep it moist until the grass is established.
Following these six practical tips will help you maintain your garden like a pro. By selecting the right plants, watering carefully, watching out for bugs, fertilizing, and filling spaces with grass, you can keep your garden healthy and beautiful all year long.