Gardening Tips 151-200

151.  Pruning deciduous shrubs in winter allows you to have clear view of the overall structure of the plant.

152. A planting design should be compatible with existing environmental conditions.

153. Plant lavender, basil, and heliotrope in pots on your patio where their fragrance can be enjoyed.

154. Keep track of which plants bloom when to plan for the following year.

155. A variety of greens has more visual appeal than a uniform shade of green.

156. A common gardening mistake using too many different colors. Try to stick with a small color pallet and an overall theme.

157. Companion planting is an excellent way to improve your garden. Some plants will replenish nutrients needed by another one while some plant combinations effectively keep pests away.

158. When designing your garden, plan for the width of your lawn mower.

159. Scatter crocuses throughout your lawn to add early color to your landscape.

160. Check the soil of a wilting plant before watering it; plants wilt for all sorts of reasons.

161. Water in the morning to help avoid powdery mildew and other fungal diseases that are often spread by high humidity.

162. Avoid using railroad ties in or around your vegetable garden as they're filled with chemicals.

163. Coffee grounds make a great soil additive.

164. Raised beds are often the perfect solution for areas with extremely poor soil.

165. Many seeds will last 3-4 years when stored in a cool dry place.

166. Placing stepping stone in the perennial garden can make maintaining your flowers easier.

167. Label your seeds as you plant them so you’ll be able to identify them when they begin to sprout.

168. Viburnums are a beautiful year-round shrub with spring flowers, lush summer foliage, colorful fall leaves and winter berries.

169. Birds are generally attracted to bright colored berries first. If you don’t want them eaten early planted near the house where there’s lots of activity.

170. For spectacular fall foliage consider sugar maples, red maples and tulip trees.

171. Keep flower beds well edged as grass will try to encroach on the garden and compete for nutrients.

172. Moss is an indicator of acidic soil and can be discouraged with the addition of lime.

173. Be sure to use a strong garden structure for vigorous growers such as wisteria and trumpet vine.

174. Use tall evergreens planted in containers to create privacy on a deck or patio.

175. Use trailing plants in a pot to shade the sides of the container and keep the roots cooler.

176. Have a friend assist with the transplanting of larger shrubs and trees.

177. Avoid cutting your lawn short during hot or dry weather.

178. Sharp mower blades help prevent diseases in turf grass.

179. Always test your soil when planning a new garden or lawn.

180. In addition to berry producing shrubs, place a few bird feeders throughout your yard to attract all kinds of birds.

181. Store your bulbs in a dry and cool place until they're ready to be planted.

182. Prune your hedges so they are slightly wider at the bottom than at the top. This allows sunlight to reach the bottom leaves.

183. Limb up low branching trees to allow more light to reach the ground and create favorable conditions for planting.

184. When transplanting trees and shrubs be sure to dig out as much of the root system as possible.

185. Knowing your plants before you plant them will prevent unnecessary transplants.

186. There's a tool for every garden project and using the right tool will make your job much easier.

187. Maintaining your plants by pinching and carefully cutting back will result in healthy, and full growth.

188. Garden walls provide privacy and can help create outdoor rooms by defining the edges of a space.

189. Large trees can be used frame the “borrowed landscape” of a distant meadow or mountain.

190. A well planned flower garden can provide color from spring through the fall.

191. Native ferns are excellent ground covers for shady areas.

192. Warm colors help create a more intimate feeling in the garden.

193. Cool colors tend to recede and make a space feel larger than it is.

194. Juxtaposition creates visual interest and is most often achieved with plant form, texture or color.

195. If you live in a dry climate, look for drought-resistant plants.

196. Garden composition includes planning for seasonal changes so incorporate plants with year-round appeal.

197. Avoid planting new trees and shrubs during periods of drought. If you must be sure to water well.

198. Plant bulbs in the fall for early spring color.

199. Less than 2 percent of the insects in the world are harmful. Most are beneficial.

200. Plant interesting varieties of both native and exotic herbs for cooking.

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Related Articles: Spring Gardening, Summer Gardening, Fall Gardening, Winter Gardening