What you can and shouldn't do in the garden

We share tips on garden planning and plant care

Photo: John Hall

1. Think like a designer

As with any design project, it is important to approach work in your garden or on a plot with a plan, even if you plan to do everything in stages, not in one season. Landscape designers advise first to focus on large plantings (trees and shrubs), then solve the issue of landscaping near the fence, then planting flowers and herbs. You can plant it gradually, keeping in mind a plan of what and where it will grow.

Thinking over flower beds, approach their compositions in the same way as to the decor of the living room, choosing the appropriate tones and colors. Some like combinations of soft calm shades, others like bright colors and sharp contrasts.

Photo: mccormickcharlie

2. Do not buy rare varieties

Exotic and rare plants look spectacular, but often require a lot of effort and time to care for them. Simplify the task and use local views. They are well adapted to local weather conditions, require less hassle and help maintain ecological balance by attracting various insects and birds.

The garden of designer Dima Loginov.

Photo: dimaloginoff

3. Take care of the vegetable garden

Are you not ready to do the landscaping of the entire site yet? Try to start small, create a small vegetable garden. Plant herbs and greens for salads, strawberries, cucumbers and peppers. In order not to bend over when caring for vegetables and herbs, you can organize high beds.

4. Do not water the plants too often

Most of the indoor and garden plants die due to waterlogging. Do not water your garden on a windowsill or plot until the soil is dry. For particularly demanding flowers, make a reminder about the frequency of watering in the form of a sticker on the pot or a peg with a signature.

Photo: Hay

5. Create a social distance for plants

Novice gardeners often make the mistake of planting plants too close to each other. This can prevent plants from reaching their full potential and growing to their full potential.