When we think of landscaping, big projects often come to mind. However, as avid gardeners know, it’s the little things that count. Routine maintenance is an essential part of a gorgeous, healthy garden. Regularly caring for your garden is also a terrific way to get fresh air, exercise and create joy. It doesn’t take much time–usually a couple hours a week is plenty. And whenever you spend time in your beautiful landscape, keep a mental checklist of maintenance needs.
How Often Should I Perform Routine Maintenance On My Flower Beds?
Maintenance needs will depend on the size and number of garden beds. However, an hour or two each week is generally enough for a large bed. Make a separate list of bigger tasks to perform monthly.
What Tasks Does Routine Maintenance of Garden Beds Involve?
Ensuring your plants get sunlight, water and nutrients is at the heart of garden maintenance. Keeping things tidy (for both appearance and plant health) is also a must. Weekly tasks include:
- Watering: Garden beds need around an inch of water each week, either from rainfall or watering or a combination of both. Use your garden hose at ground level for best results.
- Weeding: Pulling weeds not only ensures your plants get access to the nutrients and sunlight they need, it can also be therapeutic for the gardener. Be sure to get the roots instead of just pulling the stems.
- Deadhead: Pinch off wilted flowers. It keeps your plants looking fresh and helps healthy blooms last longer.
- Pest and disease control: Early detection is the best way to nip insect damage and disease in the bud. So it’s crucial to keep a watchful eye out for insects and signs of fungus or rot. Ask your landscaper or greenhouse for recommendations for healthy pesticides or fungicides designed for case-by-case treatment.
What Garden Tasks Should I Perform Monthly?
Each month, look to see if pruning, freshening of mulch, or fertilizing needs to be done. You can also add or remove plants based on seasonal needs. Remove leaves, flower heads and other debris to keep your garden tidy and prevent pests and disease. Many homeowners like to DIY day-to-day maintenance while hiring a professional team for larger monthly tasks.
What Are The Consequences Of Neglecting Maintenance In Garden Beds?
When you get behind on maintenance, one of the biggest concerns is overgrown plants, creating a sloppy look. For many of us, our flower beds are a point of pride and something we enjoy, so appearance matters. Another concern is allowing weeds to take over and choke out your thoughtfully selected plants. If we leave debris in our beds, it can attract insects and cause disease. Neglect can also diminish the quality of our soils if we slack off on fertilizing and mulching. Finally, your garden is an investment of both time and money. When you slide on maintenance, you may be hurting a significant investment.
Are There Specific Times Of Year When Routine Maintenance Is Most Important?
Spring and early summer are the peak periods for maintenance. Everything is growing fast, and weeds, pests and disease begin in earnest. Many gardeners like to have annuals and new perennials in the ground around Mother’s Day as this is the time to begin monitoring rainfall and supplemental watering. Moving towards the summer months, keep garden beds free from weeds to help young plants get the light and nutrients they need.
Towards the end of the growing season in late fall is another vital period for garden bed maintenance. Clear debris, replenish mulch and cut back plantings to prepare garden beds to flourish in the spring.
How Can Routine Maintenance Prevent Weed Growth In Garden Beds?
Hand pulling, especially within the canopy of the plant, is not only an effective and targeted way to prevent weed growth, it’s also therapeutic. Mulch is another effective way to keep weeds at bay and create a tidy, elegant look. Knock out your early spring mulching and replenish as needed throughout the growing season. Finally, herbicides can help within the mulch beds, but it’s important to be judicious and targeted to avoid runoff and harming other plants. It’s best to work with a professional team when using herbicides.
Will Regular Maintenance Help Control Pests And Diseases In Flower Beds?
Keeping your flower beds tidy is essential to controlling pests and diseases. Debris, including leaves and dead flowers, can be a breeding ground for insects and disease. You can also consider environmentally friendly pesticides and fungicides as needed. It’s best to talk with your landscaper before applying.
What Tools Do I Need To Maintain My Garden Beds?
There are a few tools every gardener needs for routine maintenance. However, you don’t need to go nuts or spend a fortune. Your attention and elbow grease are the most important. Be sure to maintain your tools, put them away after use and keep them clean and dry. A good pair of gloves and a garden hose with an adjustable spray head are at the top of the list. Some of our must-have tools include a small shovel, a hand trowel, a garden knife, basic pruning shears, a rake and a watering can.
Can Routine Maintenance Extend Your Plants’ Lifespan?
Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of your flower bed. Regular watering is essential to help plants thrive. Pruning can encourage new growth but remember to prune at the correct time of year to optimize plant growth. Mulching helps your garden retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay. Fertilizing helps plants get the nutrients they need. Just like exercise and good nutrition keep your body healthy, regular maintenance keeps your plants healthy. However, it’s not just about keeping your plants healthy. It’s also about preserving a space you love and where you find enjoyment. A well-maintained garden promotes your mental and physical health. But you don’t have to do it all alone. If life gets in the way or you’re rehabilitating your garden after a period of neglect and need direction, calling a professional landscaping team is the way to go. Epling Landscaping & Lawn Service offers a Total Landscape Care package that provides all the TLC your garden beds need, plus customized options for your specific needs, like one that just features spraying for weeds or pests. Here’s to no more weekends on your hands and knees!
