2021 is the “Year of the Yard.” After many households renovated their homes last year, now is the best time to improve their outdoor spaces. When it comes to boosting your landscape, getting into outdoor gardening can be your best bet.
It’s about time to start planting and growing new trees and shrubs. Doing so will enhance the beauty of your garden. But not only does it boost your property’s curb appeal, but it also increases your home value.
Keep in mind that planting and growing plants can be pretty simple and straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:
Preparation
Before kicking off your outdoor gardening, the initial step to take is to prepare. You don’t just immediately take the plunge and begin planting. Examine first your outdoor landscape and plan on what to do. As far as planting preparation is concerned, take the following steps:
- Pick shrubs or trees to plant: Consider choosing the kinds of trees and shrubs to grow. Check for available plant species in your locality. Purchase some that are best suited for your garden. For your reference, consider popular trees or shrubs in most US regions such as Azalea, Forsythia, Holly, Lilacs, and Roses, among many others.
- Come up with a plan: You need to be strategic with your planting. Be sure to prepare the tools and supplies you need. Also, wear protective gear and equipment for planting. Plus, know how to plant shrubs and trees properly. Lastly, plan on how to grow your plants strategically.
Planting
Once done with your preparation, you can proceed with the actual planting. Let’s make this plain and simple for you. Take the following steps:
- Dig the hole: If you opt for the typical outdoor gardening, examine the soil and choose the right growing spots. Once decided on where to grow your shrubs and trees, start digging the holes. After digging, be sure to remove the debris from the hole. Finally, put a landscape fabric to stop the weeds from growing.
- Have a backfill: In the past, gardeners would add a bit of compost, peat moss, or aged manure at the bottom for a nutrient boost. Today, however, it’s best to leave the backfill unchanged or simply add minimal ingredients. The ultimate goal is to encourage the roots to grow and spread in the natural soil.
- Begin planting: Once you have the holes and backfills in place, start planting. Place the shrubs or trees in the center of the holes. Ensure the root balls sit slightly above the surface. Be sure not to lift the plants by the trunks, stems, or branches. Don’t allow the roots to dry out when planting. Now, you can fill the holes with soil and ensure the grounds are stable enough to support the plants’ growth.
- Apply mulch: On top of the holes, be sure to add bark mulch. Its depth must be two to three inches on the whole planting holes. Know that mulching helps conserve water and prevent weeds from growing.
Tending
At this point, you are done planting your shrubs and trees. There’s no other way than to watch them grow and flourish over time. But the growing steps don’t end there. Be sure to consider the following:
- Water your plants: Everyone knows that you must water your plants every day. Even right after planting, you must give them a thorough watering to stop the “transplant shock.” Be sure to have constant irrigation, especially in warm and dry places.
- Expose your plants to direct sunlight: Your trees and shrubs must get enough sunlight. Ensuring this all boils down to how you’ve strategically positioned your plants in the first place. One key step you can take is to cut tree branches that prevent small shrubs from getting direct sunlight. Know that the sun is constant, so your plants get to harness the sun’s energy for their growth.
- Trim your plants: As your shrubs and trees grow, they must be trimmed and pruned regularly. Be sure to get rid of yellow leaves, diseased twigs, and dead branches. Know that trimming and pruning are essential parts of your plants’ constant upkeep. Ultimately, doing so will help your plants grow healthy, strong, and sturdy.
Growing new shrubs and trees during the pandemic doesn’t have to be daunting. All it takes is to have preparation, start planting properly and consider tending your plants. That said, be sure to follow the crucial steps discussed above. In time, you’ll have robust greenery embellished with shrubs and trees. Ultimately, outdoor gardening can kick your residential property up a notch.