Last week I went into detail about how to plan for your outdoor planting work. If this is your first time planting a garden (or landscaping) let's assume it's all planted. Now what?!
More than Watering - When you plant something new, yes, you need to be watering your new babies. Over or under watering can harm new plants, so make sure you know what your new plants need, but, that isn't the only thing you need to do. You need to protect them from pests (whether animals or insects) and adjust your care needs depending on the weather. The weather in the beginning of the growing season can sometimes turn off cold and in the heat of the summer, you may need to take extra care as well.
Daily Care - The best way to make sure things are going smoothly with your new plants is to check on them daily. It is the best way to catch any pest issues, or other problems you may have. As the season goes on, the temperature will change too, and your plants may get more (or less) sun depending on where they are planted. A quick once over is what it may take most of the time.
Pay Attention to Use - When its a garden situation, pay attention to what you use more from the garden, and what you don't as well. Keep track of what grows excessively and what seems to have more trouble. Some of your plants may thrive like never before while others aren't too happy. Plants may also start off one way, but, by the end of the growing season they may have performed differently than you expected. These are all things that a gardener does every season, so they can adjust either mid season or by the next growing season they have.
Make Notes for Next Year - Of course, not only do you need to pay attention, you will need to keep some notes as well. We all think we will remember what we did during each growing season, but, the more you garden, or the older your landscape gets, the more things change and the seasons begin to run into each other. Keeping a growing journal will be a good way to look back from year to year to see what worked, what didn't and any extra steps you did for your garden to be successful. Even if it's your landscaping, it's nice to have a record of how long some plants last. This will also let you know when it might be time to update as well!
With a little planning and extra care, you can have a beautiful landscape or garden. What may seem daunting at first, can become one of your favorite things to do during the year. Just try it. You may grow to love it!
Until Next Time!
Jen Lush - Associate Broker and Amateur Gardener
Photo Credit: Kelly Sikkema
