The beginning gardener may think planting a vegetable or flower garden is a snap. Put the plants in the ground and give them a drink of water every now and then. Some gardens can exist with limited care, but for gardeners striving to grow exotic flowers and plump, healthy vegetables, a bit more effort is required. I speak from a long and learning filled experience in growing a range of gardens. If you’re so inclined, learn from my mistakes.
Right plant, right place is a standard gardening term. You may have planted a small, one gallon plant to watch it rapidly grow to 6 feet tall and half as big around; taking up too much room in the flowerbed. The fast growing plant rapidly develops a large root system. These roots take the water and nutrients needed for other specimens in the area. The large form can shade out sun loving plants nearby. Removal of the plant that is too big for its space is often complicated. Excessive pruning may be necessary.
Research each plant before buying and planting. Leave enough room for all plants to reach their mature size. The Arbor Day Foundation offers guidelines for how to designate the right place for planting trees .
Proper Sunlight is necessary for optimum growth and performance of all plants. It took me several failed attempts to comprehend this fact of gardening. A full sun plant won’t grow in a shaded area and vice versa. Seeds of shade plants germinate only to fry in the sun. Plants needing full sun, when planted in the shade, become leggy as they stretch for what they need.
Over watering or not watering the right way causes a variety of problems in the garden. Watering is a chore many beginning gardeners don’t consider or take seriously. Too much water can actually rot bulbs and plant roots. Most gardens should be watered deeply and infrequently. If you’ve planted bulbs and found they’ve disappeared, over watering may be the culprit. This is why soil should be well-draining, able to hold moisture while letting water flow through and not stand around plant roots.
Disappearing bulbs can be attributed to local wildlife. Squirrels, deer, chipmunks and the dreaded vole can actually take the bulbs right out of the ground. Domestic animals, as well, may dislocate your bulbs. I once planted 200 bulbs in just the right areas, only to find my beagle going behind me, digging them up and burying them in different spots. I no longer let my dog help with garden design.
Know your plant and its water and sunlight needs before planting. Leave enough space for it to grow. Your garden will be a source of satisfaction when planted correctly.
More from this contributor:
Helpful Hints for a Healthy Garden
Preventive Pest Control in the Home Garden
Landscaping with Drought Resistant Native Plants
Sources:
Arbor Day Foundation: The Right Tree in the Right Place
National Gardening Association: NGA Plant Finder