Plant Care

Whatever type of garden you want, they'll always have one thing in common: you'll need to get yourself some plants.

Remember, you don't need to start a garden by growing all your plants from scratch. Instead of buying seeds, you can buy some seedlings: these young plants, or starts, are less risky than seeds, as they have already passed the delicate germination stage. They're more expensive than seeds, but if you can afford to buy them, they're a great choice for beginners who want to see immediate results.

Native plants — those are species that have evolved in your local region — are often a good choice, as they are already adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. These plants are more likely to thrive and require less maintenance than non-native species, making them ideal for beginner gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance garden options.

Whatever plants you get, there are some important principles to bear in mind while planting them in your garden.

In general, it's important to plant each plant with enough space to grow. When plants are too close together, they can create a humid environment that is ideal for the spread of certain diseases. Additionally, overcrowded plants may compete with each other for resources, leading to weaker, less productive plants.

It's also important to consider the mature size of the plant and its growth habits. Taller plants should be planted where they won't cast shade on shorter plants that need direct sunlight. If plants aren't getting enough sunlight, you might notice that the leaves are smaller than usual, and there are signs of lopsided growth.

Once your plants are in the ground, you'll need to provide them with water.

The best time to water plants is in the morning. This allows the plants to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day increases evaporation. It also helps to prevent the growth of mold and other fungi that thrive in damp conditions.

When watering, aim for the base of the plant, targeting the root zone. This ensures that the water goes where it's most needed and avoids wetting the foliage, which can encourage the growth of fungal diseases.

Deep watering encourages plants to develop deep root systems. This helps them access water even during dry spells, and makes them more resilient to drought. To water deeply, apply water slowly and allow it to soak into the soil, reaching the deeper root zones.

Providing the right amount of water is crucial. Too little water can lead to wilting and, in severe cases, plant death. Signs of underwatering include drooping leaves, dry soil, and slow growth. On the other hand, overwatering can lead to root rot, mold, and other problems. Plants may show signs of stress like yellowing leaves or wilting.

The use of a moisture meter can help gardeners avoid over or under watering. This tool measures the moisture level in the soil, helping you to understand when it's time to water. You can also check the moisture level of the soil before watering by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

Adjust your watering schedule as the seasons change. Plants need less water during cooler months — although, newly planted seeds and seedlings require consistent moisture to establish themselves.

Fertilizer provides essential nutrients that plants need to thrive. These nutrients are not always available in the soil in the right quantities, especially in urban or suburban gardens where the soil has been disturbed or depleted.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, often referred to as N-P-K, are the primary nutrients in most fertilizers (K is the chemical symbol for potassium). Each of these nutrients plays a key role in plant health. Nitrogen promotes leafy green growth, phosphorus supports root development and flowering, and potassium aids in overall plant health and disease resistance. A balanced fertilizer will contain all three of these nutrients in the right proportions.

Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources like compost, manure, bone meal, and fish emulsion. They release nutrients slowly as they break down. Inorganic fertilizers are manufactured chemically and provide nutrients in specific ratios. They release nutrients quickly and can be tailored to a plant's exact needs.

Fertilizer should be applied during the plant's active growing season. For most plants, this is in spring and early summer.

There are different methods of applying fertilizer, such as broadcasting, side-dressing, and top-dressing. Broadcasting involves spreading the fertilizer evenly over the soil surface, while side-dressing refers to applying fertilizer to the soil around the base of the plant. Top-dressing involves adding a layer of compost or other organic material to the soil surface.

Slow-release fertilizers and foliar feeds are also options. Slow-release fertilizers release nutrients gradually over time, providing a steady supply of nutrients. Foliar feeds, on the other hand, are sprayed directly onto the leaves of plants, providing a quick nutrient boost.

When a plant is nutrient deficient, it doesn't receive the essential nutrients it requires for proper growth and development.

For example, a potassium deficiency may cause older leaves to show yellowing or browning along the leaf margins, starting from the tips. Leaves may have a scorched appearance. Understanding these signs of nutrient deficiency can help you to diagnose and correct nutrient imbalances, leading to healthier, more productive plants.

It's important to note that symptoms of nutrient deficiencies can sometimes be similar to symptoms caused by other factors, such as diseases, pests, or environmental stress. For example, yellowing leaves could be a sign of a nitrogen deficiency, but they could also be caused by overwatering, disease, or insect damage. Therefore, it's important to consider all possible causes when diagnosing plant problems.

Mulching involves applying materials to the soil surface around plants. This simple practice can have a significant impact on the health and productivity of your garden. Mulch can protect the soil from erosion, reduce compaction from the impact of heavy rains, and improve soil fertility as it decomposes over time.

You can choose between organic or inorganic mulch based on plant needs. Organic mulches, like wood chips or straw, will decompose over time and contribute to soil fertility.

Inorganic mulches, like gravel or plastic, will not decompose, but can be effective at suppressing weeds and conserving water. The choice of mulch will depend on the specific needs of your garden and your personal preferences.

Too much mulch can create a barrier that prevents water penetration and root gas exchange and piling mulch against plant stems can cause rot and attract pests.

Mulch should be applied when the soil is moist and warm. This helps to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

A layer of mulch 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) deep should be spread around plants. When mulching around trees, apply mulch in a wide circle around the base of the tree, known as a "mulch ring." This helps to protect the tree's roots and prevent competition from grass and other plants.

Organic mulch breaks down over time, so replenish it annually to maintain its benefits. Remove any old, decomposed mulch before adding fresh layers.

The color of the mulch can also affect the soil temperature. Light-colored mulches reflect sunlight, keeping the soil cooler, while dark-colored mulches absorb heat and warm the soil. This can be beneficial for heat-loving plants.

Weeding is the practice of removing unwanted plants from a garden. Weeds can compete with your garden plants for resources, potentially hindering their growth and development.

Regular handpicking and mulching are effective ways to reduce weeds. Handpicking can be a simple and effective method for removing weeds, especially if done regularly before the weeds have a chance to produce seeds. Mulching can also be a powerful tool in weed control, as it can prevent weed seeds from germinating and growing.

While most gardeners strive to keep their gardens weed-free, it's important to recognize that not all weeds are harmful. Some weeds can actually provide benefits to your garden and the surrounding ecosystem. For example, certain weeds can attract beneficial insects, provide habitat for wildlife, or even improve soil fertility.

Some plants require pruning, a technique that involves the selective removal of certain parts of a plant.

There are different pruning techniques based on the plant type. These include thinning, heading back, and pinching. Thinning involves removing entire branches or limbs to open up the interior of the plant to more light.

Heading back is cutting back longer branches to encourage bushier growth. Pinching is removing the tips of young plant stems to encourage branching. Each technique has its own purpose and is used based on the specific needs of the plant.

Deadheading is the practice of removing old flowers from a plant. By removing the old flowers, the plant can direct its energy towards creating new blooms.

Pruning should ideally be done when the plant is dormant, typically in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This minimizes stress on the plant and reduces the risk of disease transmission.

It's important to use sharp, clean pruning tools like bypass pruners, loppers, and pruning saws. Cleaning your tools with rubbing alcohol before and after pruning can help prevent the spread of diseases from one plant to another.

When pruning, don't remove more than a third of the plant's growth in one session. It's also important to prune branches that grow inward, downward, or cross each other to maintain an open canopy. This allows light and air to penetrate the plant, promoting healthier growth and reducing the risk of disease.