There is something very alluring about a garden that is filled with greenery and healthy, thriving plant life. The air is fresh, the scent of various flowers and herbs entice your senses, and the vivid colors create an atmosphere of peace.
However, you won’t get to enjoy the benefits of a garden unless you take the time to nurture it. Most people assume that having a healthy garden is a given; that the plants will just grow and take care of themselves. This is not true. You have to put in the time and effort if you want to maintain a productive garden.
So how do you achieve this?
Here are five surefire ways of keeping the plants in your garden healthy:
Use the Right Soil
Having the right soil in your garden is necessary for healthy plants. The soil must be permeable, fertile, of the right pH. Loam soil is usually recommended for growing strong and healthy plants. If your garden has clay soil, make sure to top it up by about a foot using organic compost. For best results, turn your soil over at least once every month. This will ensure the soil stays light, loose, and aerated.
Ensure Adequate Watering
Plants need water to survive, so you must keep them hydrated. Always water your garden during the cooler hours of the day, for example, in the early morning to minimize evaporation. If you are too busy to water your plants daily, go for plants that retain moisture longer, for example, Gardenia or Chrysanthemum. In fact, there are ways to treat plants to help them cope with water loss, as explained here. Finally, never overwater your plants. You can water them deeply, but don’t do so too often.
Ensure Proper Hygiene
Always disinfect your hands and tools with mild dish soap or 10 percent diluted bleach after handling diseased plants. If you notice decaying or dead leaves, remove them immediately. Pests love decaying plant material. You should also avoid moving from your plant nursery to your garden as this may lead to the transfer of pests or disease.
Get the Spacing Right
Plant spacing is one of the most crucial elements of a thriving garden. You must ensure that there is adequate air circulation around your plants. If you are practicing container gardening, use large pots to space out the plants. When plants have ample space between them, it makes it difficult for fungal attacks to spread.
Choose the Appropriate Plants
You can take all of the above steps in your garden, but if you pick the wrong plants, all your efforts will be in vain. Instead of picking plants based on attractiveness and personal preference, you should also consider whether the environment is right. Think about the drainage, light, dimensions, soil moisture content, pests, and diseases. Some plants simply won’t do well in particular environmental conditions, so you must choose the right plants.
You may not realize it at first but a healthy garden is a significant investment. You have to take consider factors like soil quality, watering, hygiene, plant spacing, and selecting the right plants. When you get the above elements right, then you will be well on your way to having a healthy garden.
What are your favorite gardening tips?
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