Maintaining a garden requires consistent effort and attention to ensure your plants thrive and your outdoor space remains beautiful. Here’s a guide frequently asked questions to help you maintain your garden:
Planning
• Choose the right plants for your climate, soil type, and sunlight conditions
• Plan the layout of your garden to optimise space and aesthetics
• Consider grouping plants with similar water and care needs
Soil Preparation
• Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels and amend it as needed
• Loosen the soil using a spade or garden fork to improve drainage and root penetration
• Add organic matter like compost to enhance soil structure
Watering
• Water in the early morning or late afternoon to minimise evaporation and avoid leaf scorch
• Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for efficient watering
Mulching
• Apply a layer of organic mulch (such as straw, wood chips, or leaves) to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality
Pruning and trimming
• Trim dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth
• Prune shrubs and trees to maintain their shape and encourage flowering or fruiting
Fertilising
• Apply seaweed sourced from the Atlantic Ocean, chicken poultry manoeuvre or farmyard manoeuvre according to the needs of your plants, usually during the growing season and avoid late season which encourages growth at the wrong time and is not sustainable
Lawn Care and encouraging wildlife and pollinators into your garden
• To encourage more wildlife and pollinators it’s advised to not mow your lawn less regularly which will welcome an environment for pollinators like bees and butterflies
• Plant pollinator friendly plants to attract bees and butterflies
• Provide shelters like birdhouses and bee hotels to encourage biodiversity
Composting
• Create a compost pile to recycle organic materials from your garden and kitchen, enriching your soil naturally
Patience and observation
• Gardening is a process that takes time. Be patient and observe how your garden evolves, making adjustments as needed
