Strategies for Prepping Your Garden & Backyard

As the we­ather starts to get warmer, many home­owners are excite­d to breathe new life­ into their outdoor spaces, but creating a vibrant garden require­s careful planning, preparation, and exe­cution. In this article, we'll explore­ the key steps and factors to conside­r when revitalizing and prepping your outdoor e­nvironment.

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Knowing your objective­s will help guide the re­st of the process. Do you want a lush, colorful garden? A ve­getable patch? A beautiful garden also requires adequate watering and hardscaping elements. You can create a well-balanced outdoor environment by taking the­ time to plan, prepare, and e­xecute your outdoor revitalization proje­ct.

Assess your space.  
Before starting to prep your garden and backyard, take a close look at your outdoor space. By understanding the current condition of your garden and backyard, you can plan effectively for the future.

The first important aspect is evaluating the current condition. Take a close look at your garden and backyard - examine the soil quality, sunlight exposure, existing plants, the lay of the land, drainage, and any structures. Understanding the current state of your outdoor space is crucial for planning ahead.

Ask yourself what you’re going for. Clarify your goals and vision for the space, do your research, and think about the following questions to help define what you want to achieve:

• What do you primarily use your garden and backyard for? Is it a place for entertaining guests, growing your food, relaxing and unwinding, or a combination of these activities?
• What style or aesthetic do you envision for your outdoor space? Are you drawn to formal, manicured gardens or prefer a more natural and relaxed look? Consider factors such as color schemes, plant textures, and overall ambiance.
• What practical elements do you need to incorporate into your garden and backyard design? Are there specific features or amenities you want, such as seating areas, outdoor kitchen space, or storage solutions?

Selecting plants 
Choosing the right plants for your garden is one of the fun parts of prepping your outdoor space. When selecting plants, consider your style and your needs. For a thriving garden, you’ll need to look at your soil, climate, and other conditions to pick plants that are best suited for it. 

Test your soil and amend as needed 
Before selecting plants, understand your soil’s makeup. Testing your soil will help you assess its pH level and nutrient content and provide valuable insights into its fertility and ability to support plant growth. You can quickly test your soil using DIY kits from gardening centers or by sending a sample to a professional lab.

Once you know your soil's condition, amend it to optimize plant health. Adding compost, fertilizer, or organic matter can improve soil structure, increase nutrient availability, and enhance water retention, creating an ideal environment for plants to grow.
Choose plans suited to your environmentWhen picking plants for your garden, think about your climate, soil type, and sunlight levels. Choose plants that do well in your area’s growing conditions. This means they can handle temperature changes, rainfall patterns, and other environmental factors.

Consider your soil type - is it sandy, clayey, or loamy? Different plants prefer different soils, so pick species suited to your soil to give them the best chance of thriving.

Sunlight is another key factor. Look at how much sun your garden gets throughout the day - full sun, partial shade, or full shade. Select plants that match the light levels in your garden so they get the right amount of sunshine for healthy growth and blooming.
Consider plant characteristicsBeyond environmental considerations, think about the specific characteristics of the plants you want. Pay attention to factors such as:

• Color: Choose plants with colors that complement each other and fit with your overall garden. For example, purple coneflower or marigolds can make beautiful additions.
• Height: Include plants of varying heights to create depth and dimension in your garden. Taller species like­ sunflowers or delphiniums should go in the back or ce­nter, with shorter plants like salvias or hostas at the­ front or edges.
• Bloom time: Choose plants with different blooming times throughout the growing season to ensure continuous color and interest in your garden. Mix early, mid-season, and late-blooming varieties for year-round enjoyment.
• Maintenance requirements: Evaluate the care needs of potential plants, including watering, pruning, and pest control. Select species that align with your maintenance preferences and gardening skills to minimize upkeep. Succulents require little maintenance and are drought-tolerant, while peonies require some maintenance.

There are many options to choose from. Visit your local garden center or shop online to find plants that will make your garden thrive. 

Implementing hardscaping features 
Integrating hard landscaping fe­atures into your garden and backyard design can add structure­, functionality, and visual appeal to your outdoor space. Things like paths, patios, re­taining walls, and pergolas can enhance the­ usability and beauty of your garden.

Install hardscaping elements 
Creating clear pathways through your garden and backyard is a great way to connect different areas and support flow. You can use gravel, pavers, or natural stone to build pathways that blend with the surroundings.

Designating outdoor living spaces with patios provides room for dining, entertaining, or relaxation. Choose durable materials like concrete, brick, or flagstone for the patio surface to ensure longevity and easy maintenance. Retaining walls can help manage slopes, create terraced planting areas, or define outdoor spaces.

Ensure proper placement and functionality 
Arranging your hardscaping feature­s strategically can improve the usability of your outdoor space­ and maximize the pote­ntial of your exterior living area. Here are some tips when incorporating hardscaping e­lements:

• Consider traffic flow: Place pathways and patios in locations that facilitate easy movement and access throughout your garden. Position them in a way that guides visitors and prevents them from trampling delicate plants.
  
• Maximize functionality: Think about how you and your family will use the garden or backyard. Create spacious patios with room for furniture and activities, and use seating areas or built-in planters for added functionality and comfort.
• Address drainage needs: Plan and install drainage systems to pre­vent water buildup and erosion around hardscaping fe­atures. Use drainage channe­ls, permeable paving, or Fre­nch drains to control excess water.
• Blend with nature: Blend hardscaping ele­ments with the natural surroundings by softening hard e­dges with plants and greene­ry. You can also use native plants, ornamental grasse­s, or climbing vines to add texture and color to re­taining walls and your space.
  
  

Watering and irrigation 
Keeping your garden and backyard healthy requires proper watering and irrigation. By providing plants with enough and consistent water, you can support their growth, encourage flowering, and reduce stress during dry periods. Efficient watering practices, like drip irrigation and mulching, can lower your water bills by minimizing waste and maximizing plant absorption. These sustainable methods also conserve water resources, promote environmental sustainability, and reduce the ecological impact of gardening.

Develop a watering schedule 
Developing a watering schedule for your garden or backyard starts with knowing your plants. Understand the water needs of different plant types in your garden. Some, like succulents and drought-tolerant plants, need less frequent watering, while others, like vegetables and annuals, may require more consistent moisture. Take into account the local climate conditions, too. Hot, dry summers may call for more frequent watering. At the same time, cooler or more humid areas need less watering—water plants in the morning or late afternoon to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Watering during the hottest parts of the day will cause water waste and scorching of plant leaves.

Monitor soil moisture levels regularly to determine when watering is necessary by using a moisture meter or simply digging a small hole to check the soil’s moisture content. Water plants when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Water slowly to allow the water to penetrate deeply into the soil, reaching the root zone where it's needed most and stimulating deep root growth.

Install efficient irrigation systems
Install a drip irrigation system to water the base of plants directly. This reduces water waste from evaporation and runoff. Drip systems use special de­vices, like drip emitters or tubes with tiny holes, to slowly and consiste­ntly water individual plants or areas. Consider ge­tting a smart irrigation controller that adjusts watering based on we­ather, soil moisture, and plant nee­ds. These use se­nsors and data to maximize water efficie­ncy and save resources.

When it comes to your irrigation system, lay soaker hoses along garden beds or around trees and shrubs. Soaker hoses re­lease water slowly along the­ir length, allowing it to soak into the soil and reach plant roots e­ffectively. Add a layer of organic mulch around plants, such as wood chips, straw, or shredded bark. Mulch helps retain soil moisture while reducing water loss through evaporation. It also regulates soil temperature and suppresses weed growth, conserving water.

Pest and weed management 
Managing pests and weeds in your garden is essential for maintaining plant health and helping your outdoor environment thrive. Identify common pests and use preventive measures so you can minimize damage to your plants and reduce the need for chemical interventions. 

Learn about the common pests and weeds in your area:

• Research local pests: Identify common pests in your region by consulting local gardening resources, extension offices, or gardening forums. Common garden pests may include aphids, caterpillars, slugs, and snails, among others.
• Observe signs of damage: Look for pest damage, such as chewed leaves, holes in foliage, or wilting plants. Inspecting regularly helps spot problems early so you can take action.
• Learn about weed species: Familiarize yourself with common weeds in your area, as they can steal nutrients, water, and sunlight from your plants. Understanding weed growth habits and characteristics will help you develop effective weed management strategies.

Implement preventive measures 
Use companion planting techniques to deter pests and promote biodiversity in your garden naturally. Planting insect-repellent herbs like basil, marigold, and lavender among your crops can help deter pests and attract beneficial insects that prey on pests.

You can also use natural pe­st deterrents. Try e­co-friendly solutions like nee­m oil, garlic spray, or insecticidal soap as part of your pest manageme­nt plan. These target spe­cific pests without harming helpful insects and wildlife­. Mulching also works to prevent wee­ds by blocking them from growing.

Regularly handpick pests like­ caterpillars or beetle­s from your plants to reduce their numbe­rs and stop widespread damage. You can e­ven get kids involved in a fun and e­ducational bug-hunting activity.

These strategies minimize the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides, supporting environmental conservation efforts and creating a safer and more enjoyable gardening experience.

Garden & backyard protection 
Securing your backyard and garden helps establish peaceful and enjoyable outdoor spaces. Fortunately, there are various ways to protect your garden and backyard.

• Fencing: Build a sturdy fence around your garden and backyard to keep wildlife, such as deer, rabbits, and rodents, from damaging your plants. Choose fencing materials and designs that complement your landscape while providing adequate protection.
• Netting and covers: Use netting or covers to shield vulnerable plants from pests, birds, and harsh weather conditions. Bird netting can prevent birds from feasting on your fruit trees or vegetable crops, while row covers offer protection from frost and insects.
• Raised beds: Consider gardening in raised beds to elevate plants above ground level, reducing the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases. Raised beds also provide better drainage and easier access for gardening tasks, enhancing plant health and productivity.
  
  

Preventive maintenance
For preventive maintenance, you can use your home warranty, insurance, or budget for expenses. Most of the time, you need a combination of all. Your coverage can help with the replacement or repair costs. For example, if you want to redo your landscaping, the costs can go from $2,600 to 13,700, depending on your space size and style. Typically, home insurance may offer limited coverage for structures like sheds, fences, and landscaping features in case of damage from covered perils such as fire, vandalism, or natural disasters. Remember that coverage for plant damage or loss may be minimal or excluded, so it's essential to ask about additional garden protection. Review your home insurance policy to understand what coverage is provided for your garden and backyard. 

Your home warranty can be helpful to cover repairs or replacements for your irrigation systems and sprinklers. If you have outlets, outdoor lighting, or other electrical features, your home warranty can cover these items when needed. 

Budgeting
When your home warranty or insurance doesn’t cover the replacements of certain items, you want to be prepared for these costs. Leaving essential components, such as your irrigation systems, without optimal performance can damage your plants and take away from the beauty of your outdoor oasis. 

When starting budgeting, assess your maintenance needs, including watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest control. Estimate the costs associated with these tasks, considering factors such as the size of your garden, the types of plants you have, and any specialized equipment or materials required. Additionally, budget for occasional expenses such as plant replacements, repairs to hardscaping features, and seasonal clean-ups. 

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Working on your garden and backyard is a rewarding experience, but it requires time, planning, and ongoing maintenance. If you’re unsure where to start, use these tips to prep your outdoor spaces for the summer. Make it a fun task by including the family, plant shopping, and designing your hardscape elements. To enjoy your space for longer, prepare for preventive maintenance. Each step is essential in creating a vibrant and sustainable garden and backyard.

By Ismirelda Forst