Home gardening comes with a handful of benefits. For one, it is good for the family’s physical and mental health. Also, it can boost the residential property’s curb appeal and augment the home value. Take the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, as many households have ventured into outdoor planting.
When it comes to home gardening, you can pursue lawn care and hardscape installation. However, keep in mind that the main focus is on growing plants. As much as possible, you have to ensure their health and growth. And for that, there are a few crucial steps you would need to take.
That said, here’s how to keep your plants looking healthy and consistently growing:
1. Water and moist
As with any living organism, plants need enough water to survive and thrive. Make sure to consider scheduling your plant irrigation consistently. Mostly, you must water the plants in your garden once a week during the first few years. The rule of thumb is to do so as deeply as possible. That way, the roots will be able to absorb the water. Plus, don’t forget to keep your plants moist by adding mulch around the base.
2. Feed and fertilize
Apart from water, your plants need ample nutrients for their growth and health. You have to consider two key things: feeding and fertilization. First, be sure to have supplemental feeding for nutrients such as nitrogen and potassium. Also, apply organic fertilizers to ensure nutrient absorption. Know that the use of compost for your plants will significantly help.
3. Trim and prune
Plant trimming and pruning are a vital part of the overall equation in your garden. For one, you must trim the plants to maintain your garden’s aesthetic and functional values. On the other hand, you need to prune your plants to remove dead and diseased parts, such as the leaves and stems. Besides, small fruit-bearing trees and flowering shrubs bloom more if you tend them properly.
4. Rake and aerate the soil
Soil aeration involves breaking up the compact ground to allow your plants to breathe. This process lets your plants’ roots absorb air, water, and nutrients. That said, be sure to rake the thatch in your garden and poke the plants’ soil. That way, your plants won’t lack nutrients. Ultimately, they will continue to grow and flourish.
5. Stalk and tie the branches
Another vital consideration is to stalk and connect the stems or branches of new plants in your garden. The purpose of doing this is to provide support and keep your plants sturdy and stable. As you can see, young shrubs have weak bodies. As such, you want to ensure they grow tall and straight. Hence, provide the utmost support until they develop robust trunks and support themselves.
6. Expose to direct sunlight
Of course, we can’t continue discussing home gardening without mentioning sunlight exposure. Know that the plants in your garden heavily rely on the energy provided by the sun. For instance, sunlight strikes your plants and stimulates the process of photosynthesis. Allow your plants to get exposed to the sun as much as possible. Therefore, you have to be strategic in your garden layout.
7. Remove weeds
Nothing is more annoying than seeing a lot of weeds in your garden. Not only are they unsightly in appearance, but they can affect your plants’ health and growth. Why? They compete with the plants to get nutrients. They are more resilient than actual plants growing in your garden in most cases. As such, they can outnumber your plants and destroy your garden. Hence, make a conscious effort to pull them out regularly.
8. Get rid of pests
Aside from weeds, problems don’t deserve a place in your garden. These unwanted critters and rodents can feed on leaves and ruin your plants. If these pests invade your garden, your plants will eventually wither and die. For this reason, you must get rid of these pests using pesticides. Just make sure these pesticides are organic so they won’t harm the plants in your garden.
Now, you know what it takes to ensure your plants’ growth and foster their health. Be sure to consider the garden care tips recommended above, from watering and moisturizing your plants to getting rid of weeds and pests. With all these in place, you’ll have a healthy garden you and your family deserve.
