Different plants prefer different soil conditions, so start by learning about your soil type. This will help you choose the right plants and amendments for your garden.
Know Your Soil
Take note of how sunlight hits your garden at different times of the day. Some plants require full sun, while others do better in partial shade.
Healthy plants have a better chance of thriving in your garden. Look for plants with healthy foliage and no signs of disease or pests.
Overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering. Make sure your plants get enough water, but don't let them sit in waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.
Regularly remove dead leaves, spent flowers, and other debris from your garden. This not only keeps your garden looking neat but also helps prevent disease and pests.
Keep it Tidy
Mulching around plants helps to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality. Organic mulch will also slowly release nutrients into the soil as it decomposes.
Birds, bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects all play a role in a healthy garden.
If you're growing vegetables, rotate your crops each year to prevent the build-up of soil-borne pests and diseases.