The Only Garden Maintenance Checklist You’ll Ever Need

A lot of people are very hesitant to start gardening, maybe you’re one of them? Perhaps you feel like your garden is probably better off without meddling around, or you don’t even know where to begin? Gardening is not as risky and difficult as some people make it out to be, it can actually be quite fun and relaxing if you let it. That said, here’s a guide to everything you need to know to garden well.

1. Weeding

Weeds are a pain in any garden, stealing nutrients and sunlight from your plants. Weeding regularly is key to stopping them taking over. Get a good weeding tool and schedule in a weekly weeding session to pull out weeds by hand. Not only will your garden look tidy but your plants will be stronger.

2. Watering

Watering is key to plant health. Check the soil moisture regularly especially during hot and dry periods. Water deeply but less often to encourage deep root growth. Consider using a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the roots and reduce water waste.

3. Pruning and Deadheading

To promote growth and flowering, prune your plants regularly. Remove dead or damaged branches and spend flowers (deadheading) to encourage new blooms. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts and stress the plants as little as possible.

4. Fertilising

Feed your plants with a balanced fertilizer to give them the basics. Choose a fertilizer suitable for the type of plants you have and follow the instructions on the packet. Over fertilizing can harm plants so moderation is key. Consider using organic fertilizers for a more sustainable approach.

5. Mulching

Mulching is good for your garden. It retains moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds and moderates soil temperature. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or compost, around your plants. Refresh the mulch layer as needed to keep it effective.

6. Pest and Disease Control

Check your plants regularly for signs of pests or disease. Early detection means early intervention and minimal damage. Consider using natural predators like ladybugs for aphids or organic pest control products. Avoid broad spectrum pesticides that can harm beneficial insects.

7. Herbicide Use for Weed Control

While manual weeding is effective, sometimes weeds are just too stubborn. Herbicides can be used to target specific weeds and prevent them from coming back. Choose certainty herbicide for your specific weed problem and follow the instructions carefully. Apply herbicides in calm weather to reduce drift and don’t spray near desirable plants.

8. Seasonal Clean Up

At the end of each season do a thorough clean up of your garden. Remove dead plants, fallen leaves and debris to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering. Cut back perennials as needed and get your garden beds ready for the next season.

9. Monitor and Adjust

Finally, keep an eye on your garden all year round. Monitor plant growth, soil conditions and overall health. Adjust your maintenance as needed based on what you see and the seasons.