Maximizing Your Suburban Garden: Tips and Tricks for a Flourishing Landscape

City living has become the norm for many, but those that prefer a quieter lifestyle with a backyard may choose the suburbs. Owning a suburban garden is an excellent way to spend quality time with your family, enhance your home’s look, and improve your physical and mental health. Studies show that gardening is one of the most effective ways to relieve stress, boost mood, and enhance cognitive function. Besides being a source of food, a garden can also attract birds, bees, and butterflies into your yard. Here are some tips on how to maximize your suburban garden.

1. Plan before planting

Before venturing into the garden, it’s essential to first plan the area’s design. A well-planned garden is easy to maintain and navigate. Decide on the garden’s layout, which plants to plant, and where to place them. Then draw a sketch. Visit local nurseries, learn about the plants that do well in your area and zone, and align the plants according to their light requirements.

2. Invest in good soil

Nature dictates that plants grow according to their growing conditions. If you want thriving plants, it’s essential to invest in good-quality soil. Check with your local gardening store for soil types suitable for your plants and if you’re in doubt, take a soil sample to the local extension office, and they can advise on what alterations need to be made.

3. Choose the right plants

Choose plants that are adapted to your area’s weather and environment so they can do well with little to no supervision. Native plants will be more balanced with the climate and soil types. Not sure what plants suit your environment? Talk to local gardeners, nurseries, or do some research online.

4. Cultivate edge beds

Edge beds provide optimal growing conditions for your plants by creating microclimates. Their core temperatures and soil conditions overwhelm the plants, so edge beds provide a sheltered and cooler environment. Edge beds are also a style element that can spruce your entire landscape.

5. Mulch

Mulch protects your plants, suppresses weed growth, moderates the soil temperature, and holds the soil moisture. The best mulch is a mix of shredded leaves, straw, and wood chips. Keep the layer of mulch at 2-3 inches and pull back the mulch from direct contact with plants’ stems.

Conclusion:

Putting time and effort into your suburban garden has tremendous benefits in the long run. Apart from improving your physical and mental health, having a beautiful garden can also increase the value of your home. To make the most of your suburban garden, plan the area’s design, invest in quality soil, select plants that suit your area’s weather and ecosystem, cultivate edge beds, and mulch regularly. Enjoy the benefits that a thriving garden provides, including nutritious food, increased air quality, and natural serene beauty.