How to simplify garden care

Garden care doesn't have to take up all your spare time. Perhaps the main reason some new gardeners fail is that they don't pay attention to the garden often enough.

You need to know the how, why and when of taking care of your garden, but you also need to stroll through your garden every few days and just look around. That way you will notice if seedlings are parched or the hostas are getting eaten by slugs.

The key is to discover problems in time to do something about them - before they get out of control and turn into major chores that take over your weekend.

Here are links to answers to many garden care questions.

Basics - climate, tools, shopping for plants

Deadheading annuals

Beginner gardening: Helpful tips if you're just starting out

Hardiness: Zone information, zone maps

Essential garden tools: What you need to have

Buying plants: Finding a good garden center with quality plants

Soil - the foundation

Soil basics: Dealing with sand and clay

Soil preparation: How to remove grass and weeds before planting

Soil in the shade garden: How to improve it and deal with tree roots

Compost how-to: A treat for your soil and plants

Soil pH: What it means and why it's important

Mulching: Reduce garden care chores

Organic gardening

Gardening organically: The natural way to grow plants and garden safely

Organic fertilizer: Feeding your plants naturally

Perennial gardening

How to plant perennials: Step-by-step instructions

Deadheading 101: Which plants to cut back and when, techniques

Dividing perennials: Why, how and when to do this job

Easy-care perennials: Plants that don't need staking or frequent division

Watering the garden: Making every drop count

Lawn care tips

Lawn care: Try these lower maintenance techniques for a greener lawn

Controlling dandelions: Herbicides and greener alternatives

Garden edging: How to keep turf grass out of planting beds

Dogs and lawns: How to minimize problems with your pet

Tree and shrub care

How to plant a tree: Step-by-step instructions and care tips

Pruning: A useful real world guide for every gardener

Winter protection: Cold weather tips for trees and shrubs

Weed and critter control

Controlling weeds: Tips for success

Garden pests: How to tackle pests organically

Gypsy moth: Controlling this tree pest

Iris borers: How to protect bearded irises

Red lily leaf beetle: How to control this lily pest found in eastern Canada and now moving into the eastern US

Ants on peonies: What to do, what not to do

Japanese beetles: How to control this woody plant and rose pest

Deer-resistant gardens: Deer repellants, resistant plants

Mosquito control: Protect yourself from mosquito-borne West Nile disease

Slug controls: Safe control methods and products

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