Simple Summer Garden Bed
Simple & Summer have much more in common then an "s".
Summer should be simple - flip flops, burgers on the grill, reading book under a shady tree.
Simple living ~ simple pleasures.
Several of my blog friends & I have gotten together this week to share our versions of Summer Simplified.
I am sharing how to simplify your gardening.
Follow my tips & plant it right and you will have a thriving garden without much fuss or chores - it is that simple.
Whether a cutting, herb or a vegetable garden, a summer garden needs, like all else this time of year, to be simple.
Simple and low maintenance.
How do you create a simple & low maintenance garden for summer ( or any time of year ) ?
You follow my simple 5 steps to a thriving low maintenance garden bed that's how!
My steps are foundational.
Four out of the five take place before the plants are in the ground.
The fact is, if you plant correctly you will set your garden on the path to being thriving and low maintenance all summer long.
Preparation before planting will make your garden bed a simple summer pleasure, not a chore or disappointment.
Let's get to the steps...
Five Steps to a Thriving Low Maintenance Garden Bed
- Amend your soil - mix in organic compost. Go down several inches & turn the soil mixing in the amendments as you work. One large bag for every 5 square feet should do it.
- Design your bed with multiples of the same plant - odd numbers are best 3 -5. Resist the urge to buy one of every plant you like.
- Choose plants suited for the spot and each other - observe the empty bed for a few days & see how long the sun hits it. Consider how and when it will be watered. Read the plant tags and choose plants that will thrive together in the type of conditions you are offering. Don't put a sun lover in the shade and don't put a water guzzler next to a succulent.
- Dig a hole, really dig a hole - make the hole at least 2x the size of the rootball of your plant. Mix in more compost in the hole and fill it 2x with water, letting it drain in between. Doing this gives you information on the drainage and gives the plant moisture down in the hole encouraging the roots to set in deep.
- Tuck in your plants and mulch - most plants like to be planted a bit crown high, read the planting instructions on the tag. Spread a few inches of bark chips or your favorite mulch. Be careful not to mulch too close to the stem.
Following my 5 steps will give your garden the best conditions in which to thrive and you the best chance to enjoy a simple summer garden. All you'll need to do is water, harvest and enjoy! ( and maybe take a few photos to pop on to Instagram )
If you do post garden pictures tag me so I can see your simple summer garden in action!
Ok, quick review before you hit the dirt:
- Amend your soil
- Choose plants suited for the spot & each other
- Design with multiples of the same plant
- Dig a real hole
- Tuck in plants & mulch
It is easy & you can do it! When you have...grab a good book & find a shady tree, slip off your flip flops & relax. 'Cause you won't need to tend your garden much at all.
My friends have lots of ideas on simple summer living too, so visit them all to be inspired. I have and I am!!
** Kelly **
Day 1
Driven By Decor
Garden Therapy
Empress of Dirt
Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Day 2
StoneGable
Duke Manor Farm
Savvy Southern Style
Southern Hospitality
Shabbyfufu
Day 3
In My Own Style
The Wood Grain Cottage
Maison de Pax
Love of Home
Setting For Four
My Soulful Home
Day 4