Having a garden is a surefire way to keep you busy in the warmer months but don't fret, there are ways to simplify it so you can really soak up all the summer vibes.
One of my favorite ways to lessen my workload in the garden is by planting perennials. Perennials are plants that grow back year after year. The usual pruning, watering and other care is still needed but you won't need to replant them every season and the yield gets bigger and bigger as the plant spreads or grows. The best part about some perennials is that they can be shared with friends! Rhubarb, for example, can be dug up, split, and then planted as two smaller plants. Walking Onions naturally spread and produce 3 crops (mini onions, tubers and a large onion at the base)! Free food for everyone! Planting a simple fruit tree, patch of asparagus or an ever-bearing berry bush is a fantastic place to start.
Probably the most time-consuming aspect of having a garden is needing to water all your plants. The best way around this is to delegate this task to a sprinkler with a timer. If you have a fulltime job, kids and extra-curricular activities, a timer is a life saver! Your plants will thrive, and you will enjoy your garden much more, guaranteed!
The second most time consuming part of having a garden is weeding. Weed barriers can be installed around your new plants in the spring and they should last you the rest of the growing season. There are many options for weed barriers. Cardboard and tent stakes work well and the carboard is even compostable so you can just leave it! Weed barriers can also help the soil surrounding your plants retain more water so using them could mean less watering. Double win!
Consider container gardening or raised beds. These gardening practices are often easier on your back, require little to no weeding and you can make them out of just about anything! Plants can be grown in 5-gallon buckets, cloth baskets, ice cream buckets and everything in-between! However, depending on the type you use, more watering might be required. For example, potted plants don't hold their moisture as long so plan accordingly with your watering schedule.
Turn your garden into a small community garden. Do you have friends and family members who are interested in having a garden but live in apartments or have zero space? If so, invite them to grow with you or for you. They can plant and care for a small garden plot in your yard for an exchange of a portion of their yield for the year.
What are some of your favorite ways to save time in the garden? If you liked this post, show us a little love and click the heart! Thanks for reading!
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