Spring is here, and that means it is time to garden! Start dusting off your hand trowel because we created a list of tips for beginner gardeners that makes beefing up your flora so much easier. If you are hesitant to take part in this green thumb geared pastime, these tips will give you the confidence you need to get started!
1. Know the sunny and shady areas of your yard.
The sun will hit the areas of your yard at different times throughout the day. Pay attention to which spots get “full sun” and which spots get “full shade” so you can plant flora appropriate for each area. Some areas might be “partial sun” or “partial shade,” which mean those zones will be great for plants that do not need a lot of either.
2. Pick the right plants.
Every plant needs a specific amount of sunlight to thrive. Looking up which plants grow nicely in your environment will help your yard look lusher, longer. Keep in mind the sunny and shady spots of your yard as those will help you determine where to place certain types of flowers. If your yard gets lots of sunlight, planting perennials like peonies, lavender, basil, and chives is a great option. These plants come back every year, so there is no need for you to plant something new.
3. Get some gardening tools.
Since you will be visiting the gardening center in your quest for new plants, you should also stop in the tool aisle to build up your toolkit. Economical.com recommends purchasing a trowel, a transplanter with measuring marks, a cultivator, pruning shears, and a pair of durable gloves to protect your hands.
4. Use mulch when planting new flowers.
Putting a couple inches of mulch around the base of your plants will prevent weeds and moisture loss. If mulch is not really your style, you can use composted waste from your kitchen or get some from your local compost site! That will help add nutrients to your soil.
5. Water and fertilize your plants regularly.
Speaking of adding nutrients, fertilizing and watering your garden/yard should be part of your routine maintenance. A good rule of thumb is to water your plants once every week (depending on amount of rainfall), and adding organic, water-soluble fertilizer once every two weeks. This will help maintain a happy and nutrient-rich environment for your little plant babies to grow in.
Gardening does not have to be intimidating, and do not be discouraged if some of your plants die. If you want even more reason to start gardening, your home insurance policy might cover landscaping elements like trees, shrubs, and plants for damage! Contact your licensed insurance broker to make sure you have the coverage you need to protect the newest additions to your property.