Caring for your garden includes four basic things: watering, weeding, fertilizing and pruning. If you weed and prune on a regular basis the task won’t become overwhelming.
Water Thoroughly
Watering, naturally is dependant on the amount of rain that has occurred. The best time of the day to water is in the morning which allows the moisture to evaporate from the leaves and stems during the day. Plants that are wet overnight can become a breeding ground for fungal diseases. Your garden is best quenched if watered thoroughly once a week than to water shallowly more often. The experts say 1 inch of water a week is best, this translates to using a sprinkler for 45 minutes to an hour.
Weed Control
Weeds will become prolific if not pulled on a regular basis; it is important to prevent weeds from getting out of control. Eradicate weeds in the garden before they go to seed. Use a trowel or hand weeder to remove the entire root. After a rain is a good time to pull weeds, they are easier to extract from the softened soil.
Stopping weeds before they grow is the best way to control weeds in the garden. Spreading 2-4 inches of mulch around your plants will save you hours of weeding. Mulch also helps to keep your soil moist however keep mulch away from the stem of the plant to avoid rot.
Tools of the trade
|
|
Fertilizing Your Plants
Garden plants need food to grow healthy. Whether to go organic or use commercial fertilizers is the question. Plants need different fertilizers and different feeding schedules. Here's some basic information on feeding and growing healthy plants:
Feeding Potted Plants
All Purpose Osmocote Slow Release Fertilizer is a timed-release plant fertilizer that I like to use in potted plants; this product will produce full and luscious flowers in your containers.
Feeding Plants, Vegetables, Shrubs and Trees
Feeding your garden is a necessity to produce strong and healthy plants. I use Miracle Grow and Jobes tree spikes for my plants, vegetables, shrubs and trees. Follow the product directions for application amounts and schedules. Organic fertilizing is another option, see this article for more information.
Pruning Plants
Most plants, trees and shrubs will benefit from regular pruning; pruning promotes new growth and fullness in your plants, shrubs and flowers. Pruning, cutting back and deadheading plants will keep your yard looking cared for. But when to prune which plants? Here is an article for some great tips.
Caring for your garden is a source of relaxation and accomplishment.