The reasons to begin a home garden is endless. It’s a good activity with mental and physical benefits. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can boost your mood and even help your heart. If you choose to tend fruits and vegetables, it can also improve your diet.
Besides the health benefits, it can also level up your home. A home with an attractive yard isn’t just impressive when you have friends and family over. It can also raise the property’s value, which is important if you’re planning to put up the house for sale. But the crucial thing is to get it right. Otherwise, you won’t get a good return on investment.
Before you buy some plants, check out these four factors to consider:
Weather
The biggest factor that can affect how plants will survive is the weather. The temperature, sunlight, moisture, and wind all affect how plants grow. Some plants can thrive without much exposure to sunlight. Meanwhile, there are plenty of varieties that need natural light to live.
When you’re choosing your plants, you have to consider where they’re from. Try to avoid getting plants from out of state. Chances are they’re not suitable for the climate in your area. If you’re buying online, check whether they’re native or not. Local plants have grown in the same condition for years and years. You won’t have as much trouble getting them acclimated in your yard.
You should also consider the time of year you’re getting the plants. Remember that annuals will flower for one season and die in the winter. If it’s getting close to the end of the year, get perennials instead. They’ll regrow in the spring.
Position
Not all plants are created equal. Some need more water to grow while others like it dry. There’s also the sun factor. It may get a lot of exposure to natural light now, but as the seasons change, it’ll be shady.
Before you buy your flowers or crops, consider how they’ll fit in your yard. Measure to see how much space you’ll have for the plants you’re planning to get. University of California Cooperative Extension’s Forrest Lockhart recommends grouping the plants according to their needs. If they need more water, put them closer to the house. If they need more sunlight, you can place them farther away. You should also put ones that will look all year long in front because it’s the first thing people will see.
You should also factor in how much space they need and how tall they’re going to grow. If they’re overcrowded, they may not get enough nutrients, so they won’t bloom. The plant tags should have the information you’ll need to know about the spacing.
Type
It’s always good to have some variety. Even if you’re eyeing only your favorite flower or fruit, it’s good to have shrubs or ground covers. They provide a nice contrast to the entire yard so it’s not monochromatic. Different types also allow you to maximize your yard. Not everything can fit in the sunny spots so you can fill up the shaded areas with low maintenance plants. Some plants only bloom a few times a year. With a variety of plants and flowers, your yard can look great through different seasons.
If it’s your first time to care for plants, start small. Pick low maintenance ones before trying something more ambitious. They’re very forgiving and you’ll get practice for the basics of plant care.
Outside Factors
No matter how good your yard looks, it’s not supposed to be on standby like a painting. Sooner or later, other factors will affect how it grows or dies. The great news is you can have some control over these elements by choosing the right type of plants.
If you have a pet, avoid poisonous plants that can harm them. They may chew or play with them when you’re not looking and fall ill. If you get a lot of insects, you can use flowers and herbs that repel them. They’re not just pretty, but they’ll also help you enjoy staying in your yard or patio more.
Try to incorporate colorful flowers into your garden. They’re not just beautiful, but they also have a practical function — attract bees. These insects pollinate flowers and crops to help build a healthy yard.
Plants may be all the rage now but it is important not just order anything you see online. Make sure to do your research and consider how they can thrive in your home.
