Introduction
Gardens are wonderful, but they can become time-consuming and stressful. With a few practical changes, you can enjoy a garden that’s easier to manage, more productive, and more enjoyable — without overhauling everything.
Here are five simple steps that make a noticeable difference.
1. Mulch Your Garden Beds
A layer of organic mulch around your plants suppresses weeds, retains soil moisture, and gradually improves soil structure. Wood chips, bark, or leaf mulch all work. Replenish once or twice a year and you’ll spend far less time weeding and watering.
2. Group Plants by Water Needs
Instead of scattering thirsty and drought-tolerant plants randomly, group them according to their watering requirements. This makes irrigation simpler and ensures no plants suffer from too much or too little water.
3. Choose Low-Maintenance Perennials
Perennials return year after year, reducing the need for replanting. Select hardy varieties suited to your soil and climate. Once established, they require minimal pruning and care, giving you a garden that thrives with little effort.
4. Install Simple Water-Harvesting or Irrigation
Rain barrels, soaker hoses, or drip irrigation systems save hours of watering and keep plants healthy. Even a basic system is better than hand watering every week, particularly during dry spells.
5. Regular Small Adjustments
Instead of large seasonal overhauls, make small improvements consistently. Trim overgrown areas, replace failing plants, and tidy borders gradually. Small actions prevent problems from snowballing into major work.
Conclusion
A few practical changes can dramatically reduce garden effort. For a structured, personalised plan tailored to your garden, consider a Garden Review, or start with my free guide.
Five Simple Changes That Make Your Garden Easier to Maintain