Flowers for Cutting

There are so many beautiful flower arrangements and florists taking over Instagram lately, that it makes sense for people to start growing their own. Having fresh flowers in a home is certainly a luxury, but growing these yourself makes it a creative, economical hobby.

Even this simple bouquet featuring cosmos and love in a mist (Nigella) creates a classic arrangement. These two flowers are just a single example of very easy to grow flowers for creating floral arrangements. Expect to see flowers that are easy to grow from seed or bulbs rather than fussy, high maintenance plants.

The biggest and best zinnias, cosmos, gladiolas, verbena and others will make excellent cutting gardens and provide more flowers than a homeowner can cut.

Annual Foliage Plants Take Center Stage

While the cutting garden features flowers, I expect to see containers move toward very colorful foliage as the focal point. The thriller-filler-spiller recipe may still be used, but I think we will see many more foliage plants in this mix than previously. Gardeners are looking for big impact that lasts the full season, and most of these foliage plants will fit that requirement perfectly.

Purple oxalis shows the quality of foliage plants perfectly. It has bold, dramatic color all season long, it is easy to grow, and it is easy to tuck in with other plants. Caladiums also fit in this category, as do coleus. Purple oxalis has become one of my favorite plants and I find myself using it liberally in almost all of my containers. It doesn’t take too much space but ties together uncommon colors and plants well.

Coleus (here ‘Flame Thrower’) and some others can need more space, but new smaller cultivars create excellent opportunities. The pink leaves of Iresine in this photo show another option.

Solar Lighting

This may be an optimistic garden trend for 2025, but I hope to see solar lighting for gardens make an impact. Not cheap, dim lights, but really high quality, long lasting solar lights. I can’t be the only person to be disappointed after trying these in the past, but I think quality solar lights will gain traction and popularity if they can prove they will hold up and work well.

What other garden trends for 2025 do you see? What would you like to see and keep your fingers crossed that it will catch on? I am hoping for a return to big, full lush perennial garden borders. What can I say? I’m a little old school like that!

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In this post, we’ll take you through some of those essentials when it comes to truly trying to modernize your gardening procedures. As long as you are aware of the following, you should find that you are going to have a much better chance of knowing what you are doing and how you’re going to achieve it. The end result should be a garden that you love and which you really enjoy taking proper care of. Let’s take a look.

Go For Dark Wood Structures

This is a look that a lot of people are opting for right now, and it’s certainly going to help you to look the part if you are going for these yourselves. For any kind of structure in the garden, you’ll find that dark wood is generally going to really look the part. That will include any fences that you might be putting up, or perhaps a hot tub or sauna room, if you are thinking about doing stuff like that. Wherever you are going to have wooden structures, consider using dark wood specifically for it.

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Not only is this what people are generally doing now, so you’ll find that you fit right in, but it is much easier to pair this with whatever other colors you are hoping to have in the garden – which might well be the reason that it has become so popular, of course. So make sure that you are thinking about this and see whether you might be able to really modernize your garden in this way already.

Reduce Lawn Area

Less and less, people are keen to look after lawns, and this is reflected clearly in the fact that they are simply having much less lawn space in their gardens overall. If you are keen to make sure that you are following this trend, then it’s something that is pretty easy to do – you just need to tear up that lawn and replace it with a patio or something similar. Of course, you can still keep some lawn if you like, although a lot of people are opting to remove it entirely. It’s up to you.

One thing to note is that you will have a much lower-maintenance garden when you don’t have a lawn, which is probably part of the reasoning behind it. So you might find that it’s suddenly a lot easier to take care of your garden, and that’s something that you might find really important and useful overall. It’s definitely something that you should be aware of if you are trying to have a more modern garden overall.

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Use Hydroponics

There are all sorts of ways of planting plants and tending to them, many of which don’t rely on the use of what you might have considered to be quite essential properties of growing in the past. For instance, you probably learned at school that a plant needs soil in order to grow. However, as long as the plant is getting its nutrients somehow, the soil itself is not really necessary. This is evidenced by the fact that growing plants with hydroponics is a perfectly easy and simple thing to do, and something that more and more people are getting on board with.

Using hydroponics is a great way to really modernize your garden and to upgrade and update the way that you grow your plants, so it’s something you might want to consider for sure. You might find that you are going to have healthier plants in no time, and that the amount of effort extended for this is much less than you had thought as well. All in all, this is going to be the kind of thing that you really want to try out, and it could be a great way to bring your gardening into the present moment.

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Install A Living Wall

This is quite a chic and modern effect that a lot of people are really enjoying in their gardens as well as in public spaces, and it’s certainly something to think about if you are keen on trying to have a much more modern garden overall. A living wall is essentially what it sounds like: a wall which you have transformed into a green space, bursting with plants. There are many ways to approach this, but you probably want to mostly use ferns and similar plants, so that you can keep the maintenance fairly low and also ensure that it looks great all year round.

However you do this, a living wall is one of those things that you are really going to enjoy and which will make your garden look like new, so it’s definitely worth thinking about. And you will certainly find that it brings your garden into a much more modern setting in no time, which is of course the goal here.

Those are just some of the best ways to modernize your garden, and you should find that you are able to really notice a huge difference if you have done these things. All in all, having a more modern garden is going to be fairly easy to do as long as you have thought about those things.

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Whether you’re planning to sell your house or not, the curb appeal is a crucial factor in determining its attractiveness and value. This is a sentiment echoed by real estate agents, who understand the significant impact of curb appeal on a property’s perceived value.

Improving the visual appeal of your home and making it look attractive to visitors and passers-by can be a great way to show off the property in its best light. There are multiple ways you can do this, but adding plants to the exterior of your party can be instantly uplifting and give your home an appeal that boosts the area and is appealing to many people.

So, how can you use plants to boost your home’s curb appeal?

Potted Plants for Hanging Planters

Potted plants are one of the easiest ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal. These can be placed in hanging baskets, which are easy to add and move around to create refined, self-contained areas that serve as focal points. This is particularly beneficial for smaller spaces, as you can choose the right size planter for your area. Once you’ve determined the size, you can select your flowers. For instance, with its delightful purple hue, the Double Twilight Calibrachoa can complement various styles and home aesthetics.

Hanging baskets are incredibly versatile and can be placed anywhere around your home. Whether it’s on the walls of the house, a front porch, or even on structures like garages, the possibilities are endless. You can even create a unique look by stacking them on the ground to hang baskets off.

Flower Bed

The traditional flowerbed, while requiring initial planning and maintenance, can be a source of immense pride and accomplishment. Even with limited space in the front of your property or alongside a pathway, a well-maintained flower bed can make a significant impact once your chosen plants are in full bloom, adding immense attractiveness to your home’s exterior.

Window Boxes

For those with little space or no front garden at all, window boxes can still allow you to add plants to your home to boost curb appeal. These small boxes will enable you to space out plants and flowers, adding features to your windows and creating a colorful focal point to grab people’s attention. Plus, you can use the box itself or add character and charm to your building and an extra element to the exterior of the property.

Hedges and Trees

While not strictly plants, trees, shrubbery, and hedges can play a significant role in creating visual appeal on your home’s curbside. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also increase shade and privacy, making your home’s exterior more inviting. This can inspire you to explore various plant options to enhance your property’s visual appeal.

A centrally planted tree in the middle of your lawn, a hedge running along the perimeter of your boundary line, or features like arches on pathways, shrubbery under windows, alongside pathways, or around your building can all be excellent features to add to the font of your property to give that extra something that boosts its profile. What you choose should depend on your home and your ability to keep it looking good and thriving all year round.

Define Spaces

Much like flower beds can be created alongside pathways; flowers can be added to help you define spaces or segment an otherwise vast space with little to no other features. You can use pots or flower beds to help you add borders to create definition or highlight features; you can use oversized planters to help you take up space in otherwise hard landscaped areas ie; you can define a pathway to your front door example or create a barrier between a walkway and parking area. You can use plants to create arches, as a central design feature in a lawn, or anything else you can think of that boosts your home’s exterior to compliment the building and look you are going for. But if you have large open spaces in front of your home, plants can segment and define spaces in a more attractive way.

Plants can not only enhance the visual aspect of your home but also give you a mental boost every time you look at them and they also provide an excellent activity for you by caring for them and maintaining the blooming spaces around your home. So, not only are you boosting your curb appeal with plants, but you are also improving your quality of life thanks to some well-placed floral additions in and around your property.

Photo by Rene Terp: https://www.pexels.com/photo/gazebo-against-trees-334978/ 

Your garden is so important to the overall appearance of your property, but unfortunately, a lot of people neglect their garden, as it’s only used when the weather is nice! More often than not, people make upgrades to the inside of their homes and keep their gardens in the back of their minds. But, this shouldn’t be the case. 

Keeping your garden nice, can help improve your mental health, it’s a fun hobby to have and when you know it’s an appealing place, it’s an area where you can socialise with your friends and family members – why not get a BBQ and host everyone, once your garden is ready. 

Looking after your garden can be done in so many ways. It can be done by removing common lawn fungus types, planting new plants, respraying your decking, fencing & shed, buying new furniture sets, adding lighting, mowing your lawn and more. Below we look into three different ways to look after your garden. 

Consider your lighting 

You will be amazed at what adding some lighting to your garden can do. Lighting creates a whole new dynamic, it can create shadows and highlight important areas of your garden. You can have lights along your path, hanging from your trees, in your plant bedding and more. They are often affordable and can be purchased from your local garden centre. Take a look on Instagram if you are after some lighting inspiration. 

Respray your garden 

Respray everything that is wooden and can be resprayed in your garden. Over the cold, rainy months, the paintwork can start to fade and get damaged, looking unappealing. By respraying your decking, fences and shed, you will bring a new lease of life to it, bringing them back to how they would look if they were new. Respraying is affordable and can easily be done in a day, so it won’t take much time at all. 

Mow your lawn 

One of the first things you should do when getting your garden ready for the summer months is mow it. The longer you leave your lawn to grow, the more scruffy and untidy it can get, causing it to look overgrown. When mowing your lawn, remember to mow your front lawn as well as this is often also forgotten. If you haven’t got a lawnmower and don’t want to spend your money on buying one, there are sites that will let you hire one for the day, so make sure you look over Google to see if you can rent one nearby. 

As you can see from our guide, there are many ways to look after your garden. Make a list of things you want to do to your garden and tick them off as you get them done. This way, once done, you know your garden will be a positive space for you to spend your time in. 

What tips would you suggest to someone wanting to look after their garden? Which of the above tips did you find most useful? Is there anything you would like to share that you think should be added to our guide? Let us know in the comment box below, we would love to hear from you. 

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Step 1: Let’s Talk Dirt

Okay, first up, understanding your soil is key. Before you do anything else, it’s crucial to get to know what’s beneath your feet. You can pick up a soil testing kit at your local garden store or order one online. This little test will reveal all sorts of secrets about your soil, like its pH and nutrient levels. Ideally, your lawn would love a home that’s slightly acidic (pH between 6 and 7).

If your test comes back and it’s not quite perfect, don’t worry! Most issues are totally fixable. For instance, if your soil is too sandy or full of clay, mixing in some organic compost can really help balance things out. This not only improves drainage but also enriches your soil with nutrients that are essential for growing a healthy lawn.

Step 2: Picking the Perfect Grass

Now, onto the fun part—choosing your grass! Not all grass is the same; the best type for your lawn really depends on where you live, how much sun your yard gets, and what you want to use your lawn for. If you’re in a cooler region, you might go for something like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue. Live somewhere warmer? Bermuda or Zoysia could be your best bets.

Also, think about what your lawn is for. Is it a play area for kids or pets? Or maybe you’re going for that pristine, golf-course look? Your lifestyle and needs should definitely influence your choice of grass.

Step 3: Prep Work

Got your soil ready and picked out your seeds? Great! Now, it’s time to prepare the actual lawn area. You’ll want to clear out any rocks, sticks, and weeds. Use a rototiller to turn the soil up to about 4 to 6 inches deep. Yes, it’s a bit of a workout, but think of it as preparing the canvas for your masterpiece.

Smooth everything out with a garden rake, and be sure to give the area just a bit of a slope away from any buildings to avoid waterlogging. A roller can help to lightly compact the soil, which makes for an even surface that’s perfect for either seeding or laying sod.

Step 4: To Seed or To Sod?

Here’s where you decide: seeds or sod? Seeding is definitely more budget-friendly, and you have a huge variety of choices. Plus, watching those little sprouts grow is incredibly satisfying. Sod, on the other hand, will give you an instant lawn, perfect if you’re impatient or have a big event coming up.

If you’re seeding, make sure to spread those seeds evenly—you can use a spreader to help. For sod, lay those pieces down snugly so no gaps are left for weeds to creep through.

Step 5: Water, Water, Everywhere

After planting, your new plant babies will need plenty of water. Keep the soil moist, but be careful not to drown them. If you’ve gone with seeds, a gentle sprinkle daily should do the trick until they start to sprout and get stronger.

Step 6: The Early Days

The first few weeks are crucial for your new lawn. Try to keep foot traffic to a minimum to protect those fragile new shoots. If you spot weeds, deal with them promptly but gently—remember, your grass is still tender and vulnerable.

Step 7: Ongoing Care

Once your lawn starts to look more like a lawn and less like a dirt patch, you can begin regular maintenance. Start mowing when your grass hits about 3 inches in height. Remember to keep those mower blades sharp and never cut more than a third of the blade length at a time to avoid stressing the grass.

Now, let’s chat about keeping that lawn pristine with fertilization and weed control services. These can be real game-changers. Regular, professional fertilization helps ensure your grass gets exactly what it needs to thrive, and efficient weed control keeps unwanted guests from crashing your green party. These services really help maintain a gorgeous, healthy lawn without all the guesswork.

Wrapping Up

Starting your lawn from scratch is a genuine labor of love. It requires patience, effort, and a bit of green-thumb magic. But with these steps, you’re well on your way to creating a lush, beautiful outdoor space that will make your neighbors green with envy.

Happy gardening, everyone! Here’s to enjoying many beautiful days in your new slice of paradise.

Embracing Independence: The First Step

You’ve probably heard the saying, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” Well, this couldn’t be truer when it comes to building a self-sustaining life at home. It’s about rolling up those sleeves, getting your hands dirty (literally and figuratively), and saying a cheerful goodbye to reliance on public sector services. Now, don’t panic; this doesn’t mean going off the grid and sending smoke signals instead of emails. It’s about making small, achievable changes that collectively make a big difference in the long run. Every journey begins with a single step, and this journey starts in your own backyard. Whether it’s planting a vegetable garden, installing a rain barrel, or just choosing to repair instead of replace, each decision moves you closer to a life of greater independence and personal fulfillment.

Unleashing Your Inner Farmer: Urban Agriculture

Stepping into urban agriculture might feel like trading a smartphone for a spade, but trust this, it’s far more rewarding. Picture this: a mini-farm right in your backyard or balcony, bursting with veggies and fruits that you’ve grown yourself. It’s not just about saving money on groceries; it’s about the sheer joy of biting into a cucumber that’s still warm from the sun. Urban agriculture isn’t a throwback to the Stone Age; it’s a leap into a future where you control what lands on your plate. And the best part? You don’t need acres of land. Even a small balcony or windowsill can be transformed into a green oasis. Plus, there’s no need for a green thumb, just a willingness to get a bit dirty and learn from online gurus who started out the same way you are.

The Green Thumb Revolution: Growing Your Own Food

Forget about buying tasteless tomatoes and lettuces that have seen more air miles than a frequent flier. It’s time to turn that backyard into a bountiful garden. Start small with herbs and work up to vegetables and fruits. For those with limited space, container gardening is a fantastic solution. And for the truly ambitious, a shed-greenhouse combo can work wonders for year-round cultivation. The key is to start small and scale up as you learn and gain confidence. Experiment with companion planting, composting, and natural pest control methods. This way, you enjoy fresher, tastier produce, and you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the natural cycle of growth and the satisfaction of nurturing something from seed to harvest.

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Harnessing The Elements: Energy And Water Self-Sufficiency

Tapping into the elements for energy and water might sound like a chapter from a fantasy novel, but it’s surprisingly doable – and practical. Solar panels and wind turbines can turn your home into a mini power plant, where the only bill you’ll get is from Mother Nature, and she doesn’t charge much. And when it comes to water, who knew that rainwater could be so versatile? Installing a rainwater harvesting system not only quenches your garden’s thirst but can also be used for non-potable household needs. It’s like having your own personal cloud supply, minus the need for any rain dances. 

Power To The People: Energy Independence

Solar panels and wind turbines might sound like gadgets from a sci-fi movie, but they’re increasingly becoming backyard staples for those wanting less dependence on the public grid. While the initial investment might cause a slight wince, the long-term savings and satisfaction of not being at the mercy of power companies are worth it. Plus, watching that electricity meter basically run backward on a sunny day? Priceless. It’s not just about the savings though; it’s about taking control of your environmental impact and reducing your carbon footprint. By generating your own clean energy, you’re not just cutting costs; you’re also contributing to a greener, more sustainable world for future generations.

Home Sweet Homestead: Raising Livestock

Now, this might not be for everyone, especially if the closest you’ve come to livestock is feeding the neighbor’s cat. But for those with a bit more space and a taste for adventure, consider chickens, rabbits, or even bees. Fresh eggs, honey, and the occasional rabbit stew can significantly reduce grocery bills. Just remember, livestock requires your full commitment – they’re not just cute faces; they’re living, breathing animals that need attention. It’s also a wonderful way to connect with the natural cycle of life and understand the value of responsible animal husbandry. Raising livestock not only provides a source of food but also teaches invaluable lessons about care, patience, and the rewards of hard work.

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The Circle Of Life: Efficient Waste Management

Think of waste management not as a chore, but as a cycle of endless potential. Composting organic waste gives back to the earth, turning yesterday’s dinner scraps into tomorrow’s garden gold. And let’s not forget recycling – where a plastic bottle might find a new lease on life as part of a funky garden chair. Efficient waste management is about seeing the potential in everything and realizing that what’s old can be new again. Plus, it’s a great way to stick it to the man – no more feeling guilty about how much garbage is put out each week. Remember, every piece of waste that’s repurposed or recycled is a small victory against the overfilled landfills and pollution plaguing our planet.

The Art Of DIY: Skills For Self-Reliance

YouTube is a goldmine for DIY enthusiasts. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, building a bookshelf, or knitting a quirky hat for winter, there’s a tutorial for anything and everything you may need to know. The more skills acquired, the less dependent you’ll be on external services. And let’s face it, there’s a certain swagger that comes with being able to fix your own stuff. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about cultivating a mindset of creativity and problem-solving. Every DIY project completed is a step towards greater self-reliance and a testament to the power of human ingenuity.

Tech-Savvy Self-Sufficiency: Smart Home Tech

Embracing technology might seem counterintuitive in a self-sustaining lifestyle, but smart home tech can be a game-changer. From programmable thermostats to smart irrigation systems, technology can optimize resource use and save time. After all, self-sufficiency doesn’t mean living like a hermit. Integrating technology intelligently means you’re using the best of modern innovation to enhance and simplify the journey towards self-reliance. These smart systems not only make managing a home more efficient but also add an element of futuristic flair to the self-sustaining lifestyle.

Community Collaboration: Sharing And Bartering

Self-sufficiency doesn’t mean going at it alone. Building a network with neighbors and local communities for sharing and bartering resources and skills can be incredibly rewarding. Think of it as social media, but in real life and with more vegetables and less drama. It’s about creating a support system where skills, tools, and resources are exchanged, not just for mutual benefit but also for fostering a sense of community. This collaborative approach not only strengthens local bonds but also creates a resilient network that can weather any storm, be it economic or environmental.

Financial Flourishing: Economic Independence

Beyond the garden and the gadgets, there’s a financial aspect to self-sufficiency that often gets overlooked. Building economic independence is a crucial piece of the self-sustaining puzzle. It’s about more than just saving money on bills and groceries; it’s about creating a lifestyle that’s economically resilient. Smart budgeting, investing in long-term sustainable solutions, and even developing side hustles like selling home-grown produce or handmade crafts can contribute to this goal. By building a buffer against economic uncertainties and reducing dependency on external financial systems, you empower yourself to make choices that align with your values and lifestyle goals.

The Bigger Picture: Sustainable Living

Finally, remember that building a self-sustaining life is not just about independence. It’s about contributing to a larger movement towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. Every little action, from growing a tomato plant to installing a smart irrigation system or reducing your overall household waste, is a step towards a healthier planet. But it’s more than just personal gain; it’s about setting an example for future generations, showing that a sustainable lifestyle is not only possible but also enriching. By embracing this lifestyle, you become part of a global movement towards a more sustainable, balanced, and conscientious way of living.

Building a self-sustaining life at home is an adventure filled with learning, challenges, and a fair share of triumphs. It’s about reconnecting with the basics of life and discovering the joy in the simple things. From the satisfaction of eating home-grown veggies to the pride in a well-executed DIY project, it’s a journey worth embarking on. Remember, every step towards self-sufficiency is a step towards a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. So, why wait? Start planning your escape from the public grid, get those hands dirty, and embrace the joy of doing it all yourself!

1. Onions

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Onions belong to the Allium class; these plants grow bulb-type roots. You can eat both the bulb and green onion leaves. Consider visiting local garden shops to buy the tiny dried onions or sets. Plant them in nutrient-rich soil, water them, and watch them bloom into big onions. The best time to harvest onions is when their tops start turning brown, so feel free to consider this.

2. Tomatoes

Several tomato varieties exist. Choose your favorites and plant them indoors or outdoors on a deck. Ensure your homegrown tomatoes can access enough sunlight. You should water them once weekly if they are indoors to promote their healthy growth. If you choose heirloom varieties and store some seeds, you can grow tomatoes year after year.

3. Hemp plant

The hemp market has been expanding since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the plant’s cultivation. Hemp plant finds uses in CBD oils (tinctures), food, clothing, and even more applications. The demand for hemp has skyrocketed due to the benefits of the plant’s leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. You don’t have to be a professional farmer to grow hemp.  All you require is a healthy soil, garden pot or bed, seeds, and water.  You can get high-quality organically-grown hemp from reputable wholesalers such as 25 Hour Farms. Hemp flowers contain cannabidiol (CBD), a wellness gem that has been linked to easing anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, and inflammation.

You should also note that homegrown hemp is a healthy source of protein. Their seeds are the most nutritious parts of the plant, containing up to seven grams of protein per tablespoon and a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp seeds are delicious, too; they can add an amazing nutty flavor to your recipes. Another edible part of hemp is the leaves; the dark-green distinctive leaves can make a good addition to your smoothies and green juices, so feel free to consider this.

4. Black pepper

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Black pepper is one of the hottest-selling spices in the world. The black pepper plant produces spicy peppercorns that you can use to prepare many dishes. In growing pepper plants, allow at least 6 hours of sunlight daily from the East or West-facing window. Also, ensure the soil dries between watering sessions. Always hydrate until the soil is moist enough but not soggy. You can harvest peppercorns in different textures to suit your flavor. Picking them green will give you an earthy and citrus taste. Likewise, you may harvest them red or blush to enjoy their strong flavor. Allowing your peppercorns to mature and dry will guarantee the most traditional pepper taste you require.

A paved garden, for example, is still going to be as healthy as one that is covered in lawns and flowers. As long as you are looking after your space, you’re going to find it being much more successful than if you decide to let it overgrow. Whether you have a hectic schedule or not, you don’t have to be somebody who’s in love with gardening to have a nice looking garden, even if it has been fully paved. So let’s take a look at how you can find success in the low maintenance garden.

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• Plan the garden properly. If you don’t want to have a lawn, what are you going to have instead? Are you planning on a deck or stone pavers? Are you planning to completely level the garden and cover it in gravel? No matter what you do, you need to make sure that you plan it properly so that the plants that you do have don’t require too much maintenance to keep them healthy and living for longer. Learning about different plants can take a lot of time and a lot of effort at first, but it’s definitely worth it if it means that you’re going to be able to help your garden to thrive.
• Ensure that the plants you use are native plants. If you don’t want to spend too much time in your garden, then make sure that you are choosing plants or trees that are native to your local area. These will require the least amount of maintenance and you won’t have to worry about whether they are getting the right amount of satellite because they are local, which means that they already are. You can go to landscapers or local nurseries to figure out what kind of native plants are available in your area so that you can ensure that your garden still has some colour even while maintaining its low maintenance status.
• Add stone pavers. If you don’t want to have a completely green garden, then stone pavers can make all the difference. You only need to pressure wash them when they get too dirty, and you don’t have to worry about mowing down lawns or worrying about mulch. When it comes to any grass clippings that you might have, somebody else can take them away for you, or you can dump them in the green bin. If you have stone pavers, you don’t need the lawn. 

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Dealing with those leaves

The first and most obvious change is that your trees are going to be losing their leaves and, left to sit, this can create quite the mess in the garden, indeed, not to mention harboring all manner of pests. Leaves are biodegradable so you could, in theory, let them sit and rot, but the risk of mold ,bacteria, and weed seeds this brings is likely to mean more trouble in the future. Taking care of your leaves,  be it by raking, by leaf blowing, or otherwise, is vital. When getting rid of them, don’t burn them, as this can create a huge fire hazard, not to mention smoke and pollutants. Instead, put them in your compost bin or your green waste if you have it.

Minding your gutters

The leaves aren’t just going to end up on the ground of your garden. They can get kicked up into the air by the wind, where they hit against your roof and then slide down it to settle in the gutter. Alongside twigs and other organic matter, this can create a dam that will block the downspout of the gutter. When this happens, water gets trapped and, while starting to flow down the side of your home, can wear away at the weakest point of your facade, like where the roof meets the wall, and begin to seep in. Make sure that you take the time to clean the gutter at least once this year to prevent that from happening.

Beware the branches

With summer now over, your trees might have done all of the growing that they’re going to do this year, which means it’s a good time to make sure that they haven’t grown too much. Branches that are getting heavier are a lot more likely to snap, to fall, or at least to drop twigs. At best, this means more yard cleanup for you to do, at worst, it can mean real damage to either people or property, especially if it gets really windy or a storm blows through. Consider hiring a tree service once a year to make sure that your trees are in good condition, trimmed to the right branch length, and likely to stay healthy through the winter. Overgrown trees can cause all kinds of problems, otherwise.

Protecting their roots

For younger or more vulnerable trees, then you might want to surround them with a base of mulch as the weather starts to get a lot colder. This is especially true if you’re in an area that sees a lot of frost and snow. The freezing and thawing that can happen to trees at this time of year can be very stressful on them. Mulching them and adding fertilizer before winter sets in can help them retain more nutrients and moisture, while offering their roots a little extra protection from the cold. If you already have mulch at the base of your trees, make sure that its thicker than two inches deep to be as effective as possible.

Keeping an eye out for infestations

Fall tends to be when most of the sicknesses that affect trees can begin to sprout up as well. It’s a good idea to check your trees with the changing seasons to make sure that they haven’t become the homes of destructive pests or hosts of diseases or fungi that can spread to other trees. If more than 30-40% of the foliage seems to be affected by such issues, then you might need to consider removing the tree before it spreads to the others. If you’re not certain, then your local arborist should be able to clear some things up for you.

How you deal with your trees is up to you. One thing is certain, however, you can’t ignore them. Decide your plan of action and get working on it before they start losing all of their leaves.

Health and sustainability benefits alone have meant that more of us than ever are currently in the market for growing our own veg. As well as potentially saving you a small fortune in rising vegetable costs, this life choice can see you serving tastier food, and significantly reducing your carbon footprint in the process.

All of that said, edible gardening isn’t a walk in the park. Before it’s well established, an edible garden does require a fair amount of work to get going. Not to mention that many of us spend as much as $200+ to establish and oversee a large-scale growing operation. This is time well spent and money that you can very quickly make back if your growth goes according to plan. But, what happens if you sink that expense, and dedicate all of that time, only to find that your patch doesn’t provide you with anything come the end of the season? 

It’s a frightening reality, and unfortunately, it’s one that many first-time growers will find themselves facing at least once. The main thing to do in this situation is to realize that no self-growing efforts are wasted, and the chances are that even your failed attempts have some important lessons to teach. 

In this article, we’re going to talk you through how to give your vegetable garden the best chance of success, and also what to look for if you find that your plants fail to grow for more than one year in a row. 

What do you need to create a fruitful vegetable garden? 

Before we get stuck into what could be going wrong, let’s consider what a fruitful vegetable garden requires. After all, finding out where to start and what you need is the best way to provide your plants with a fighting chance. Luckily, the popularity of home-grown produce right now means that there are plenty of guides out there to help in this respect, many of which will go into more detail than we’re going to here. 

Generally speaking, though, a fruitful vegetable garden requires a few key things, which include – 

• Plenty of sunlight
• Access to water
• Rich soil
• Pest protection

You’ll also want to stock up on a basic grower’s toolkit to help you plant and maintain your veg, which should include – 

• Tools like a hoe, rake, and shovel
• Decent garden gloves
• Seed trays
• A kneeling pad
• A hose or watering can
• A selection of seeds or starter plants

The amount you spend is up to you, and you can start a vegetable garden for as much or as little as you like. In those first years, you may find it more lucrative to spend little, and update items as you go, or as you begin to uncover your preferences. Generally speaking, you’ll find that it’s not worth spending huge amounts, at least not until you’re enjoying regular, fruitful crops that are saving you substantial amounts of money elsewhere. 

Troubleshooting your unsuccessful crops

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No matter how much you’ve spent on your prep, a failed vegetable garden can take its toll because of the effort that you’ve put into planting those crops in the first place. If you’ve only experienced this failure for one year, then take heart in the fact that small changes are typically all that’s required. If, however, you’ve experienced a few years of failure across at least some of your crops, then there may be a more deep-seated issue that you’ll need to address.

Begin doing so before your next planting by troubleshooting the following common problems – 

• Location: Planting in the right location is key to fruitful growth. This is common sense, but a lot of people fail to realize that, depending on your crops, that prime location might not be what you assume. For instance, veggies like beets, lettuce, and carrots may thrive better in shady spots out of direct sunlight, while cold-weather food crops like kale and cauliflower may prefer north-facing beds than traditional south-facing options. 

Generally speaking, however, common crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers all require direct sunlight from south-facing beds. Sunlight is so crucial to these crops that you should even avoid things like shade from overhanging tree branches, either by getting trees trimmed or seeking tree removal in extreme cases with multiple trees. It can also help to maximize sun exposure wherever possible, meaning that something like a trellis may help your tomatoes thrive even if they haven’t until now. 

• Soil condition: Unversed gardeners don’t always consider soil health, but this has more of an impact on your plants and vegetables than you might think, especially when it comes to nutrition and moisture retention. For instance, clay-heavy soils can be lacking in nutrients and also hold moisture more than most crops require. If you’re having continual germination issues, or are failing to grow productive crops, then it’s always worth reassessing here. 

Investing in a high-quality fertilizer for raised beds, or regularly composting your crops, can help them to stay happy, healthy, and more likely to reap rewards in any soil. It’s also worth picking your crops depending on your soil type, which you can generally test just by touching the soil. You should find that crops like lettuce, chard, and green beans grow best in clay soil, while onion, garlic, and potatoes may do better in sandy soil conditions.

• Overwatering (or underwatering): Watering is key to growing anything in your garden, and overwatering or underwatering can each prevent your crops from producing. Even before germination, soil that’s too wet can rot your seeds and stop them from ever growing. And, of course, dry ground can have the same results when seeds are unable to sprout.

While you’ll need to check the watering requirements of your unique crops, you should generally aim for watering every 10-15 days, or less if you live in a rainy climate. The main thing to look for is whether your water is permeating the soil to get to your crop roots, which you can check by digging down to a spade’s depth. Ideally, you want to find moisture to a depth of at least 30 cm. 

• Crop crowding: You naturally want to make the most of your growing patch, so it’s not unusual to cram as many seeds into that tiny area as possible. Unfortunately, crowding your crops makes it harder for them to germinate, and increases the chances of crop failure even on plants that grow. Even if you think you’re planting far enough apart, perennial plants take up more space with each season, meaning that you may end up with overcrowding later on.

Overcoming this costly issue requires basic research when you’re first establishing your garden, especially if you’re using perennials like rhubarb, spinach, or watercress. Most often, these crops will have clear planting distances outlined on their packets, and those will account for yearly growth. As a rule, most gardeners should aim to keep around four inches between crops like beans and spinach, and six inches between bushy crops like Swiss chard and leaf lettuce. 

• Weather woes: Sometimes, even the best growing efforts can end up wasted due to incremental weather. Hot daytime temperatures paired with cool nights are especially notorious for flowering issues for peppers, while excessive rainfall can quickly waterlog entire edible gardens. While we all have to accept those losses some seasons, however, there are steps you can take to avoid this setback. 

Mulching soil is useful for helping to regulate plant temperatures, and for ensuring moisture absorption, and is worth doing at the start of the season. Equally, regular watering during ongoing hot spells is key. You could also help your chances of success by simply picking crops depending on the general climate in your location, especially considering things like typical summer rainfalls, the risks of early frosts, and the temperatures that you tend to experience overnight. If your climate is inhospitable, then you may benefit from using additions like polytunnels, which make it easier to maintain steady warmth and preferable growing conditions. 

Addressing insect issues isn’t always easy, especially given that you won’t want to spray insecticides on your crops for both health and sustainability reasons. Luckily, some natural prevention techniques are healthier and equally effective. For instance, growing things like marigolds, chives, and basil across your edible garden can help to keep pests at bay. Equally, equipment like floating row covers and stakes can make it harder for insects to reach your plants. Timely harvesting can also make a huge difference. 

The fact that you’re reading this article means that you’re obviously invested in your growing journey. Put these troubleshooting points into action, and your hard work could start reaping rewards at last.