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How to simplify garden care

"Garden care doesn't have to take up all your spare time. Really!"

I think the main reason 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 so you notice if seedlings are parched or the hostas are getting eaten by slugs.

By paying attention to your garden, you'll discover problems in time to do something about them - and not let them get out of control and turn into major chores.

Here you'll find links to many aspects of garden care. I hope they help you create an attractive flower garden - and make sure you have time to enjoy it too.

BASICS - CLIMATE, TOOLS, SHOPPING FOR PLANTS

Deadheading

Beginner gardening: What to consider when just starting out

Hardiness: Zone information, zone maps

Essential garden tools: What you need

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

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SPECIAL GARDEN SITUATIONS

Country gardening: Garden care tips for large properties

Dogs and gardens: Having a dog and a nice garden too

Pet-friendly gardening: Design and care tips

Gardening with kids: How to engage your youngsters

Houseplants

Indoor plants: How to keep them healthy

Phalaenopsis or moth orchid: An easy orchid anyone can grow

Houseplants for beginners: Goof-proof choices

When to move house plants outside: How to harden them off in spring

ORGANIC GARDENING

Gardening organically: It's the natural way

Organic fertilizer: Feed your plants naturally

PERENNIAL GARDENING

How to plant perennials: Step-by-step instructions

Deadheading 101: Which plants and when, techniques

Dividing perennials: Why, how and when

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

Controlling dandelions: Herbicides and greener alternatives

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

Dogs and lawns: How to minimize damage

TREE AND SHRUB CARE

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

Pruning: A real world guide

Winter protection: Cold weather tips for trees and shrubs

WEED AND CRITTER CONTROL

Controlling weeds: Tips for success

Garden pests: How to control organically

Gypsy moth: How to control this woody plant pest

Iris borers: How to protect bearded iris

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

Japanese beetles: Life cycle and controls for this woody plant and rose pest

Deer-resistant gardens: How to minimize problems, resistant plants

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

Slug controls: Safe control methods and products

For more information:

Flower Gardening Home