Taking care of the garden can be a magnificent experience. A perfect excuse to be outdoors, in contact with the green that we like so much, with the flowers that may be blooming at that moment ... and also to be able to listen to the song of the birds or the sound that insects make, such as cicadas in summer.
Although there may be bad days when you find that your favorite plant is infested with, for example, mealybugs, or that a strong gust of wind has broken several branches of a tree, you will always find reasons to smile in your little paradise. And I'm going to help you make those days numerous 🙂.
Find out where the sun is at each moment of the day
There are plants that are sunny, others shade, others semi-shade ... and others that can live both exposed to the sun and in a protected area. Knowing in which position the sun is at all times in a garden will avoid many headaches, because you can plant the plants in the place that best suits them.
Thus, having a wonderful garden will not cost you anything, or very little 🙂.
Choose species that will live well in your area
Image - Flickr / Vilseskogen
From my own experience I will tell you that it is very difficult not to buy that exotic plant and want to have it in the garden. But, what care does this plant require? If it is from a warmer climate, it is normal for it to die in winter; and the same will happen if the earth is too alkaline or too acid for it.
The best thing to do is take a look at the plants that inhabit the gardens in your area. If you would like to experiment, then do your research: discover other less common species on the Internet (or in this blog 😉) and their care.
Leave space between plants
One of the most common mistakes made is planting many specimens together. I am not going to deny you: the effect that is achieved in this way is precious, but it is an attraction that does not last long. As plants grow, they will compete for food and water, and only the strongest will survive. It is the law of natural selection.
To avoid this, find out what adult size they will be, and leave an adequate gap so that they can all develop well both in height and width.
Collect the pruning debris
The pieces of cut branches, the flowers of the rose bushes on the ground, ... all this must not be on the ground, but in the heap to make compost or, if you do not have it, in garbage bags that the company will later take away. recycling contracted by the city council.
If not, with the decomposition of these plant remains, fungi and other microorganisms (bacteria, viruses) could become a problem.
Look for alternatives to grass if it rains little in your area and / or you don't have much time to take care of it
The lawn is a magnificent green carpet, but it requires a lot of care: seeding, fertilizing, mowing regularly, treating against pests and watering. To have it beautiful and really functional, you have to water it frequently, daily in summer, which means spending a lot of water, a water that in many places is scarce.
If we add to that the lack of time, you have to look for alternatives: artificial grass ... or even more interesting: wild plants native to or from similar climates, that they are able to live without anyone taking care of them.
Fertilize the soil in your garden
In a forest or jungle, the earth receives nutrients daily as leaves and branches fall and fertilize it when decomposing. And that's not to mention the organic waste left by its inhabitants 🙂. This in a garden does not happen, or happens very little, so that it is common for the soil to lose its wealth.
To keep you as fertile as ever, or even more, it must be fertilized, if possible with Organic fertilizers, throughout the year but especially in spring and summer. Pour in a two-inch layer of manure, guano, or compost, mix it a little with the top layer, and water.
Prepare the garden for winter
Fall and especially winter can be a difficult time for the garden. In general, the plants enter a period of rest, because if this were not the case, the low temperatures could kill them in a short time.
During those months, the frequency of irrigation should be less. In addition, if you have recently planted plants, it is highly recommended to protect them at least by putting mulch on them, but if you do not know if they will survive, wrap them with anti-frost fabric.
Enjoy your garden!