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
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 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
Mulching: Reduce garden care chores
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
Gardening edging: How to keep turf grass out of planting beds
Lawn care tips
Lawn care: Try these lower maintenance techniques
Dogs and lawns: How to minimize damage
Tree and shrub care
How to plant a tree: Step-by-step instructions,
care tips
Pruning: A real world guide
Winter protection: Cold weather tips for trees and shrubs
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
Houseplants for beginners: Goof-proof choices
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
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 productsFor more information:
