Diversify
Wouldn’t life be boring if everyone was the same? Imagine if there were no diversity in hair color. It would still be bland even if everyone had bright auburn locks. Well, the same theory applies to your garden. Do you want plants that are all green? Do you want to plant hundreds of the same flower? No, you want to have a diverse collection to add color and appeal to your backyard. Here are some factors to consider:
- Foliage color
- Foliage shape
- Foliage pattern
- Plant height
- Flower color
- Flower texture
- Bloom period
Use Native Plants
The best thing you can do for your garden area is to use plants that are native to your region. The USDA has divided each area of this country into zones. These zones tell you the foliage that will thrive in your garden as well as when you need to plant them. By following a local guide, you can easily see the plants that are a good investment. Choose a perennial that will come back year after year, and you will save money for years to come. Annuals are nice too, but they only live for one season, and can become costly (and time-consuming) to replace every year.
Cut Water Waste
Water waste is a huge concern as the heat of summer is soon approaching. Although it may seem like watering your plants more would be good for them to grow, over-spraying is a huge problem. The Sprinkler Guy advises avoiding overspraying and wasting water by replacing your sprinkler nozzles with proper-fitting ones.
If you leave your equipment out in the weather, then it should be evaluated for any repairs that are needed to ensure it works appropriately. Additionally, you should only water your plants in the cool of the evening as it allows the water to penetrate the roots before the sunrise. A sprinkler or irrigation system can help you to cut costs as they can turn on and off at preset intervals. There are many ways to save on your water bill and avoid drenching the plant’s roots.
Don’t Cut Your Grass Wet
Watering your lawn isn’t necessary when Mother Nature lends you a helping hand. However, rain may be good for your grass, but it’s horrible for your lawnmower. If you try to mow before your grass is thoroughly dry, then it can cause it to make big clumps. Clumping grass can get caught in the lawnmower blades and cause it to turn off. Though as tempting as it might be to get the yard work done when you have time, wait till the grass is dry to begin your mowing ritual.
Choose Plants That Don’t Require Much Water
If you don’t have a green thumb, then you shouldn’t be too upset. Many plants are friendly to those who forget to water them. Succulents are a great variety of plants that only need to be watered on occasion. If you live in a climate that gets rain regularly, then you may not need to water them at all. Cactus and other succulents come in a wide variety of colors that can be aesthetically pleasing to your backyard.
Plants Prefer Mulch to Rocks
If you’ve thought about putting pebble or lava rock around your flowers this year, then you should think again. Flowers prefer mulch because it helps the soil to retain its moisture, and it assists in keeping weeds at bay. Using an organic mulch variety will help to improve the fertility of your soil as it breaks down during the decomposition process. The plants need this protective covering to keep the soil cool when the temperatures are at their peak. According to Ragan & Massey, there are six primary types of mulch, so use the right kind for your plants.
Monitor Soil PH Levels
Do you have a difficult time getting things to grow in your backyard? Does it seem that your grass is always turning green in spots, or you can’t get a plant to survive? The acidity and alkalinity of your lawn mean everything to your plants. When the PH level of your soil is off kilter, it can make your lawn acidic. Plants won’t grow in an acidic environment. The Old Farmer’s Almanac states that the ideal PH level is around 6.5, though it may vary depending on the specific foliage you grow. If your soil becomes alkaline, then it is deficient in vital nutrients plants need to survive. When iron, copper, zinc, and manganese are missing, you must add the proper nutrients that allow it to stabilize for your plants.
Your backyard area is a place where you toss the ball with your children, invite friends over for a BBQ, and enjoy the warm sunshine of summer. By following a few maintenance tips, like learning how to properly water your lawn, you can have a garden area that is enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing too.
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