Take Back Hours Every Week by Putting Your Garden on Autopilot

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Some people love gardens but hate gardening, and we get totally it. We know some plant lovers who find weeding, feeding, and watering meditative, and others who find nothing zen about pest eradication and not being able to scrub the dirt out from under their fingernails. Here’s our cheat sheet for you “wake me when it’s time to harvest” folks. Here are the secrets to getting a blooming, verdant patch without busting your hump.

1. Hook up a water timer.

Schedule your lawn or garden watering using a hose timer, a gadget that attaches to your hose bib. It works in the same way that smart timers indoors work: You program it to turn off and on at preset times; many models even have a rain delay setting that allows you to skip waterings when the weather is inclement. These gadgets start at about $30, but pricier models allow you to control the settings via an app on your smartphone.

2. Mix moisture-retaining amendments into your soil.

For plants that do require regular watering, add a moisture-retaining amendment like vermiculite or perlite to the soil before you plant seeds and seedlings. This simple step will help tender plants go longer between waterings without wilting in the heat.

3. Set up a drip irrigation system.

There are a few different types of drip irrigation systems, including sprinklers and misters, but the one that’s probably most useful for those with a big patch of ground (or a bunch of raised beds) to water is the kind with thin, perforated tubing that you can lay on top of your raised bed’s soil. Water slowly seeps through the holes to deliver ample moisture to your plants. Couple a drip irrigation system like the Raindrip Drip Watering Vegetable Garden Kit with a hose timer, and your watering routine will pretty much do its own thing.

4. Spread some mulch.

Mulching garden beds retains moisture and prevents weed growth, and will allow you to spend less time watering and weeding and more time relaxing. Buy bags of mulch at the local home center or big-box store, pick some up from your municipality or, for larger yards or gardens, order mulch by the yard from the garden center.

5. Select “self-cleaning” flower varieties.

You’ve heard of self-cleaning ovens, but self-cleaning plants? These varieties boast blooms that naturally fade and fall off, meaning there’s no need to deadhead or prune withered flowers. Varieties of geranium, begonia, columbine, and baptisia are just a few examples of flowers that will always look fresh, without you having to pull out your pruning shears.

6. “Plant” some watering globes.

Potted plants dry out more quickly than those that live in the ground, making everyday watering for those with patio plants a fact of life. Watering globes, like these Besti self-watering globes, can give you a respite from your watering duties. These clever gadgets slowly deliver water to container plants for up to 2 weeks. Frugal gardeners can make their own automatic plant waterers by repurposing a soda or wine bottle.

7. Roll out a weed barrier.

By laying down sheets of newspaper or landscape fabric before mulching your garden, you can drastically reduce the number of weeds that poke through your beds. Newspaper will eventually break down into the soil, so you’ll need to replace it as it decomposes to keep weeds at bay. Fabric is a longer-lasting, though more expensive, option.

8. Opt for drought-tolerant plants.

If you want to be able to neglect your landscaping during busy summer days, choose your plants carefully. Check each plant’s water requirements before you buy to ensure you’re establishing a garden you can sustain. Drought-tolerant plants don’t really need to be watered much once they’re put in the ground, so they’re easier and cheaper to maintain in the long run. Some of our favorite options include black-eyed Susan, hollyhock, and sedum.

9. Choose slow-growing shrubs.

The secret to keeping your front yard shrubs looking tidy without constant attention: Slow-growing shrubs require less frequent pruning than faster-growing varieties do. Not only are these shrubs less work to maintain, but you can enjoy them for years without worrying that they’ll outgrow your garden.

 

All You Need to Care for Your Lawn & Garden

Keeping your grass green and your plants thriving doesn’t just take a green thumb—it starts with the right tools and supplies.