Susan’s Gardening Tips

Selecting the best garden location is critical to seniors

Once you have decided what kind of garden you want, there are many other factors to consider. Mainly you need to choose the right spot for your garden. This is usually decided by several factors: How much sun, shade, and water is required.

The garden location you choose needs to provide an ideal climate. Actually, if you take the time to study various spots around your property, you will likely find places that will cater to the needs of most plants. A hot, sunny spot will be perfect for specific varieties, while cool, partly shady spots and deep-shade areas are ideal for others. Amazingly, you will find several micro-climates all around your property.

Take a few days to observe your property. Take temperature readings in various spots, note how many hours of direct sunlight hits each one, check out the moisture levels. You will be absolutely amazed at the results, when plants don’t have to struggle to survive. Basically, the less stress on a plant, the more flowers and fruit it produces… and the healthier it is. This also translates into the need for less (if any) pesticides. Read the rest of this entry

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 Correct some typical lawn maintenance habits.

There’s nothing like saving money WHILE being “green”! What a great “win-win” goal. Start this year, and see just how easy it is… 

• Water your lawn correctly… Watering early in the morning provides grass roots plenty of time to breathe, plus it discourages fungal growth caused by dampness. Here’s the good part: Lawns that receive just 1″ of accumulated water per week will develop deep, strong roots… enabling them to survive most diseases and droughts. (here’s how to measure)

• Mow your lawn correctly… Setting the mowing height to 2.5″ to 3.5″ will actually help your lawn discourage weed growth and develop a healthy root system. And, longer grass is actually cooler underfoot… always nice for your bare feet. 

Those of you enduring a lingering winter in the North (and our Southern Hemisphere “cousins”)… take heart. It can’t last forever! Those of us fortunate enough to be enjoying balmy weather offer you our sympathies and wishes for a welcoming Spring… soon.

Happy gardening… Susan Nelson Hopkins
Check out all the lawn articles and videos at
Susan’s Lawn Gardens,
and the garden articles at all of
Susan’s Gardens

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