The basics of caring for a garden

by Linda Costanzo 12/20/2023

Caring for a garden is an ongoing process, but it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. The more you know about how to care for your flowers, vegetables and other plants, the easier it is to maintain a happy and healthy garden.

To help you get started or to refresh the basics, here is a list of everything you need to do to care for your garden:

Mulch early and often

Keeping your soil healthy is crucial to keeping your plants healthy. Mulch your garden as soon as you plant anything new to help manage moisture and ward off weeds. Mulching regularly also helps keep pests away and prevents plant diseases, especially in young plants.

Water correctly

Water your garden regularly for healthy plants, but be careful not to water too often. Know the specific water needs of your plants to ensure you’re giving them the correct amount of moisture to grow strong and healthy. Moreover, take care to water directly at the soil level, as many plants are sensitive to mildew if their leaves get wet.

Remove weeds

Weeding regularly is another aspect of keeping your garden healthy. With the right preparation, like mulching and companion planting, you might not have many weeds to begin with. For the weeds that do appear, efficient removal with the right garden tools will reduce the risk of them returning.

Beware pests and diseases

It’s a good idea to check your plants weekly for any signs of pests or disease. Find out what pests are most likely to affect your plants and have a strategy for dealing with them. Having insecticidal soap and fungicide available will help you target and treat infestations and plant sickness.

Feed as needed

Some plants are hungrier than others, and require additional nutrients from fertilizers to thrive. Create sustainable fertilizer from your compost pile and apply it to the garden during the growing season. To prevent fertilizer “burn” and other issues, avoid fertilizing too often in the winter or other times of plant dormancy.

The more you know about caring for your garden plants, the healthier they will be. If you ever need help, you can consult your local nursery or garden center for advice and expert opinions.

About the Author
Author

Linda Costanzo

Linda Costanzo is a Real Estate sales professional with several years experience. Linda prides her business on a loyal client base of referrals..."I devote myself to serving the needs of my clients before, during and after each transaction." Linda is a responsible, organized and motivated individual. She will make your real estate experience enjoyable while ensuring that your every need is met. Whether you're buying, selling or just have real estate questions, Linda will be there to guide you through the process. Linda currently resides in Boston and specializes in...