How many people do you know that make New Year resolutions to get healthy and fit? And how many do you know who actually follow through? Instead of thinking about how you can improve, make some New Year resolutions about getting and keeping your gardens fit and healthy.
Gardens need basic care that includes making sure healthy nutrients are available. Like us, they need fresh air, good clean water and lots of sunshine to be their best. This year, starting right now, make a plan of action for your garden, and stick with it. Here are six ways you can build healthier gardens – whether they are ornamental, herbal or vegetable gardens.
Plan. Yes, gardens need plans, and right now, in the winter months is a great time to do that planning. Think about your current gardens, and decide what changes you want to make in spring. Which plants require moving, dividing, or even removal? Get some catalogs from nurseries and gardening. Think about what you’d like to include, and check out heirloom and organic seeds.
Put it in writing. Start a garden journal. Describe your current garden, and make a sketch of what plants are located in it, and where you will need to add plants. Draw up new plans on graph paper showing the changes you’ll make, so when spring arrives and you visit the local nursery, you know just what to buy. You may need to consult some good gardening books for ideas, as well as those seed and plant catalogs. Resolve to add to this journal all year long, with notes, photos and sketches.
Compost. If you don’t already have a compost pile or bin, then start one. The most important part of any garden is the soil, and by adding compost annually, you’ll slowly add to its health. Get a head start by locating some good rotted and composted manure or some fish compost (we call it fish and chips on the West Coast). Test your soil and learn what you need to do to amend it so it is the best possible base for your plants.
Simplify watering. Plan to group together plants that have similar growing requirements. It’s much easier to water when a group of plants have similar moisture needs. Do some research on setting up drip watering systems throughout your garden. This one step alone will save you hours and is a much more efficient use of available water. Consider also planting native varieties that are already suited to your location, or including plants with low water needs.
Mulch. Mulching will not only help to conserve water by slowing evaporation from the soil, it also inhibits the growth of weeds. Again, it saves you a lot of gardening time and labor. The extra plus of adding mulch, of course, is it makes your garden look much more attractive.
Assess What’s There. Like real estate, in a garden location is the key. Plants that are placed in the wrong location – wrong soil type, wrong light – will need constant maintenance to look good. Evaluate what is already in your garden, and resolve only to grow plants that fit into that environment. This will take some research, but what better time to do that than the cold winter months!
Have Fun. Finally, remember that gardening is fun, it is relaxing, and it is enjoyable. Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing, about getting dirty and loving it, and about taking the time to find peace and serenity among your plants. And just thinking about it, planning and dreaming of spring can make these winter days seem warmer.
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