Caring for a garden is an ongoing process, but it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. The more you know about how to care for your flowers, vegetables and other plants, the easier it is to maintain a happy and healthy garden.
To help you get started or to refresh the basics, here is a list of everything you need to do to care for your garden:
Mulch early and often
Keeping your soil healthy is crucial to keeping your plants healthy. Mulch your garden as soon as you plant anything new to help manage moisture and ward off weeds. Mulching regularly also helps keep pests away and prevents plant diseases, especially in young plants.
Water correctly
Water your garden regularly for healthy plants, but be careful not to water too often. Know the specific water needs of your plants to ensure you’re giving them the correct amount of moisture to grow strong and healthy. Moreover, take care to water directly at the soil level, as many plants are sensitive to mildew if their leaves get wet.
Remove weeds
Weeding regularly is another aspect of keeping your garden healthy. With the right preparation, like mulching and companion planting, you might not have many weeds to begin with. For the weeds that do appear, efficient removal with the right garden tools will reduce the risk of them returning.
Beware pests and diseases
It’s a good idea to check your plants weekly for any signs of pests or disease. Find out what pests are most likely to affect your plants and have a strategy for dealing with them. Having insecticidal soap and fungicide available will help you target and treat infestations and plant sickness.
Feed as needed
Some plants are hungrier than others, and require additional nutrients from fertilizers to thrive. Create sustainable fertilizer from your compost pile and apply it to the garden during the growing season. To prevent fertilizer “burn” and other issues, avoid fertilizing too often in the winter or other times of plant dormancy.
The more you know about caring for your garden plants, the healthier they will be. If you ever need help, you can consult your local nursery or garden center for advice and expert opinions.
About the Author
Debbie Caldwell
When you first meet Debbie Harris-Caldwell, you are immediately drawn to her charming Welsh accent and the twinkle in her eye. The well-traveled transplant from Wales is quick to set you at ease and time spent with her promises to be time well spent.
Debbie has been a real estate agent for 40 years and takes great pride in her customer service skills. "I make myself available to my customers when they need me, whether it's on a Sunday Evening or after their long day at work. I make my schedule fit theirs. I also keep my customers updated on everything happening with their listings or purchase, I am their conduit for information." She has built a business following her key principles of clear communication, attention to detail, client advocacy, and comprehensive knowledge of the area. Debbie comes to every new transaction with positive energy, determination, a strong understanding of the currents driving the market, and the expertise that comes from a lifetime of experience. She knows the importance of marketing and whether a home is for sale for $200,000 or for $2 million, she always has professional photography done and creates a listing presentation that best shows off her customer's home.