Gardens have a way of going wrong while you’re not looking. One week everything is green. Next, there are yellow leaves, bone-dry soil and weeds coming up between the flowers. I’ve found that a few simple habits beat buying more stuff. These Garden Hacks DecorAdHouse tips work in a backyard, on a small patio, or with just a few pots by the door, and none of them cost much.
Reuse containers
You don’t have to buy a new pot every time you bring a plant home. An old bucket or a sturdy tub can do the same job, as long as it’s safe for plants. Make sure water can drain out of the bottom. If it can’t, the roots sit in water and start to rot. Wash the container first, and don’t use anything that once held chemicals. A coat of paint on the outside makes it look neater.
Stop watering by habit
Many people water their plants daily since that has become their habit rather than the need of the plant itself. Some plants may require more frequent watering while others can go a few days without any water. If you push your finger into the ground and there is still moisture in the soil then it is probably best not to water yet. Smaller pots also tend to dry out quicker than bigger pots so you might want to consider the size of the pot as well if you do decide to water. Water the base of the plant(s) and not the leaves and preferably in the morning.
Don’t throw away fallen leaves
Dry leaves can be composted or used as mulch. Toss them in with your fruit and veggie scraps and keep it damp, but not sloppy. Let it all break down before using, ’cause fresh kitchen scraps aren’t ready to go yet. And skip the meat and dairy, ’cause they’ll ruin a basic home compost pile.
Pull weeds early
A few small weeds turned into a great number of mature weeds that have developed flowers and seeds. They should be removed while they are still small. The best time to do this is after rain when the ground is softer. To get rid of the hard roots, it is advisable to use a small tool and go around the plants. Mulching is a good option for preventing the spread of weeds. It can be done with leaves or bark. However, it should not be piled against the stems and roots of plants, as it can cause rotting due to dampness.
Small space, less clutter
More pots isn’t always the answer. Often it’s better to move what you already have. Taller plants go at the back and shorter ones in front where they still get light. A plant stand lifts pots off the ground, and a trellis gives climbers somewhere to go. Leave room to walk around and water everything. A garden you can look after is better than one packed with plants you can’t reach.
Choose plants that suit your space
A plant that looks nice in the shop can be tricky to grow at home, so make sure to research the amount of sun it will need to survive and if it will be suitable for your area. Make sure to take note of which parts are sunny and which are shaded in your garden and place them according to their needs. If you’re new to growing plants then it’s best to start slowly with two or three varieties so you know what to expect before you get more. I hope this helps!
A quick check once a week
You don’t need an afternoon. Ten or fifteen minutes is enough to spot small problems early. Look for damaged leaves, dry soil, weeds and pots that aren’t draining. Take off anything dead and clear away leaves or rubbish. If you have garden furniture, give it a wipe. Small jobs like these make the whole place look looked after.
Quick questions
What’s the easiest hack to start with?
Check the soil before you water. It stops you giving plants too much or too little.
How can I improve my garden cheaply?
Reuse safe containers, make compost, pull weeds early, and rearrange your pots before buying anything.
Are fallen leaves good for the soil?
Yes. Use them for compost or mulch. Skip any diseased leaves, and let compost break down fully before you spread it.
To finish
A better garden doesn’t necessarily require new purchases. Most of the time you just have to look at your plants and make a change or two. Choose a project you would like to tackle every week in your garden. It could be something as simple as reusing old pots, weeding, or transplanting a plant to a more suitable place. Do another project and see how it turns out.
Disclaimer: Gardening advice can vary on the plants you have and the soil and climate you are working with. It is important that you do your research for every plant or area you decide to change.
For more information and suggestions, Contact Us.