ECOgardener Blog

Ever dream of filling your garden with beautiful roses? Imagine walking to your garden and being greeted by a riot of multicolored blooms! How about drinking tea in your garden while enjoying the mesmerizing scent of fresh roses?

For beginner gardeners, growing roses seem daunting at first. One might think that growing a rose garden requires professional help or specialized tools. You'd be surprised how easy it is to grow roses! Modern rose bushes, in particular, are tough as nails. Some varieties could even thrive in poor growing conditions. If you’d like to grow your own rose garden, try these gardening tips:

Hybrid roses are prized for their large, perfectly formed and defined blossoms as well as the flowers’ robust rose scent. Usually, hybrid roses form from a single long stem with small foliage at the base of the plant. Hybrid roses do not grow too big so they are fairly low maintenance. But to encourage new growths, regular pruning is a must.

Floribunda roses are known for their vividly colored clusters of flowers. Hardier, more resilient than hybrid roses, floribunda roses thrive in most growing conditions. This rose variety will cover the garden walls and floors with fragrant blooms with zero bare spots. This means Floribunda roses work perfectly as natural screens or hedges.

As the name implies, these are mini varieties of roses that thrive in containers and pots. However, the name of this rose variety refers to the size of the flowers, not the foliage size. Perfect for small gardens or as living accents on the deck or patio, miniature roses yield smaller though vividly hued blossoms. Since miniature roses are planted in pots, they are much easier to move around. An alternative to miniature roses is miniflora roses. These roses are space efficient although they grow larger than miniature roses.

Climbing roses love to crawl up on nearly anything, making this rose variety one of the best natural screens for the garden. Climbing roses produce large, elegant flowers in a multitude of colors. However, climbing roses can be unyielding and out of control if left to grow freely in the garden. Regular pruning is a must to retain the size and shape of these rose varieties.

This rose variety was grafted onto a standard cane stock. Tree roses are best grown in mild to cold climates. These are hardy plants so they can be grown without much coddling, making them perfect for beginner gardeners!

Roses come in many varieties, some produce multicolored blooms, others help frame specific areas of the garden, like a rambling rose. It is possible to build a beautiful rose garden without spending a lot of time, money, and energy maintaining it. You just need to choose the right plant variety to grow to get the look that you want.

For formal gardens, you cannot go wrong with hybrid roses like Iceberg, tea rose, or amber Queen. You can also grow a variety of old rose varieties like Francis Dubreuil, Lady Banks, or Yolande d'Aragon. Shrub roses, like Ballerina, Peace, and Mister Lincoln, are best for landscaping while miniature roses will work great for small gardens or container gardens.

Climbing roses like Zepherine Drouhin, Renae, Sombreuil, or New Dawn, on the other hand, will look perfect in gardens with trellises, iron fences, railings, arches, and gazebos. These rose varieties grow in long canes so you can simply drape the climbing stems on a trellis or arbor to create an artistic display. Climbing roses could also work as a natural screen so you can use them to section parts of the garden for privacy.

When buying roses from a nursery, you can choose between roses that are planted in a pot of soil or dormant, bare-root roses. If you are new to gardening, we highly suggest choosing the potted roses because these are much easier to establish. On the other hand, if you are not new to growing roses, go for the bare root roses. Bare root roses come in more varieties to choose from. These are also less expensive compared to potted rose plants. Bare root roses are more widely accessible even in places where there is no local nursery.

However, bare root roses will arrive dormant so they will require more care in the months after planting. The roots have to be soaked overnight in water before being planted into the ground. The soil must be kept moist within the first few months after planting to establish the rose plant.

With so many rose varieties, it is hard to choose just a few. While it is tempting to fill your garden with as many rose varieties as you can grow, it is important to start your collection with a modest selection first and then work your way up to more roses as needed. Filling your outdoor space with too many plants at the same time could ruin the look of the garden.

Curate your rose collection to 4 or so to create a harmonious garden. Some rose varieties grow too fast, which means you could end up spending a huge chunk of your day pruning to keep the rose bushes neat. Also, different roses have different growing needs so choose those that are grown similarly just to keep your gardening tasks manageable.

Most varieties of roses require at least 4 hours of direct sunlight during the growing season. These flowering plants are best planted in a sunny spot, perhaps near a wall, trellis, or post. Roses require room to grow so leave about 18 inches of space between the plant and the wall or trellis.

Roses love well-draining, lightly acidic soils and hate standing water. If you are using planters, make sure the planters have drainage holes at the bottom so the water drains quickly. Also, never set the container or pot on a saucer to collect the excess water. Standing water could cause root rot and diseases.

When planting roses, dig a hole that’s about as deep as the plant’s soil ball and three times as wide. Then, pour some water into the hole and add fertilizer before placing the plant into the freshly dug hole. This will help establish the rose plant much more quickly, allowing the plant to start producing flowers faster!

Roses grow best in nutrient-dense soils so amend the soil regularly to produce more flowers. Apply the fertilizers early in the spring and then every 6 weeks until the summer ends. You can add a layer of mulch to the soil to protect the roots from extreme heat while keeping weeds at bay.

Hold off the pruning on newly planted roses. Let the rose plant grow until the foliage is bushy to get off to a strong start. Once the rose plant has matured, you can start with the regular pruning.

Roses can be quite thirsty especially during the summer months but do not water the leaves. These plants are prone to black spot disease so water the soil three times a week but avoid wetting the leaves.

Growing different varieties of roses is a breeze as long as you chose the right variety for your local climate. For more gardening tips and helpful resources, subscribe to our newsletter right now!

Before modern medicine, people use traditional remedies to heal different ailments. These remedies are usually made from a concoction of medicinal plants and herbs. The fact is, nature is one giant pharmacy that provides healing to all sorts of diseases, even deadly ones. And if you’re the kind who appreciates natural healing, then consider growing medicinal plants to your garden. From healing simple burns to severe chronic diseases, here are some of the best medicinal plants to add to the garden:

This plant is perfect for people who are just getting into gardening. Aloe Vera is a drought-resistant perennial plant that could survive severe growing environments. That’s because this herbaceous perennial is native to the dry regions of Africa. Aloe vera is distinct for its lance-shaped succulent leaves edged with small teeth.

The leaves are filled with a clear, gel-like sap that can be used to treat a variety of ailments, particularly skin problems. Simply scrape off the sap and use it to treat burns, wounds, and cuts. You can also use aloe vera to soothe eczema flare-ups, hives, and skin allergies. Mix the aloe vera gel with freshly squeezed fruit juices and it can heal common digestive problems as well as chronic constipation and ulcerative colitis. Aloe Vera can also help normalize blood sugar and minimize the risk of diabetes.

Calendula, best known as pot marigold, is a favorite among gardeners for its cheerful blossoms and graceful foliage. Calendula's blossoms are similar to daisies and they do add a nice pop of golden yellow to the garden. It's a great plant to grow if you live in places that get mild summers. This flowering plant is so easy to grow. All it needs is the full sun and well-draining soil.

Calendula can be used to treat a variety of skin issues ranging from insect bites and minor inflammation to wounds and stings. Calendula extract contains a powerful muscle relaxant that soothes painful muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, and stomach cramps. Calendula is also used as a treatment for jaundice, smallpox, and measles.

Lavender is a beautiful plant with blossoms that emit a soothing scent. It makes a great accent plant in the garden because of the blue-purple flowers. It's also drought, heat, and wind resistant so lavender will thrive in the harshest growing environments.

Every part of the lavender plant is infused with fragrant oil. The darker the flower color, the more intense the aroma. Traditionally, lavender infused remedies are used to treat migraine headaches, indigestion, common aches and pains as well as insomnia. It can be used to treat dandruff when the blossoms are steeped in boiling water.

Did you know that garlic is also called nature's antibiotic thanks to its antimicrobial properties? Garlic contains a potent microbe-killing chemical called allicin. This chemical is used to treat a wide range of ailments, including common cough, internal inflammation, common aches and pains, as well as intestinal problems. Garlic is also used to treat chronic diseases ranging from heart disease to certain cancer.

Garlic is one of the easiest plants to grow. This plant is best grown during the fall season when the weather is nice and cool. Garlic has to develop a strong root system to grow. By the spring and summer season, the garlic bulb will enlarge and it’ll be ready for harvest!

Basil is easily one of the most popular aromatic herbs for cooking. As a medicinal plant, basil could reduce your risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. This herb helps lower the sugar level in the bloodstream, which minimizes the risk of diabetes and excessive insulin production. In addition, basil is an excellent remedy for high blood pressure, insulin resistance. This herb could also reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Growing basil is easy; all it needs is a sunny spot in the garden. This herb could also tolerate partly shady growing environments. It only takes a few weeks before basil leaves are ready for harvest. You can use the leaves to spice up stews, soups, pasta dishes, and salads.

Onion is an easy to grow crop that adds amazing flavor to soups, stews, salads, and stir-frys. This plant is also packed with a diverse range of nutrients that keep the heart healthy. Onion contains a powerful anti-inflammatory chemical that minimizes the risk of blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It is also loaded with antioxidants that protect healthy cells from oxidative stress. Eating onion-based dishes may reduce the risk of certain cancers too.

Thankfully, it does not take much to grow onions. This vegetable comes in two varieties, long and short day varieties. Long day varieties require 14 hours of daylight or more to grow while short day varieties require 10 to 12 hours of daylight to thrive. Onions love the full sun and moist, well-draining soil. It will grow well in a pot and it can be planted indoors or outdoors.

Add a pop of vivid red to your tropical garden with passionflower! Treated as an annual plant in northern climates, passionflower is prized for its medium-sized blossoms that come in a myriad of colors. But passionflower that produces red flowers is the most popular varieties. This ornamental plant could grow in a variety of environments. Once established, passionflower is drought resistant.

Passionflower is a traditional remedy for sleep problems, anxiety, certain forms of pain, and fibromyalgia. It's often given to children suffering from hyperactivity disorder or adjustment disorder. When applied topically, passionflower soothes burns, swelling, and minor skin inflammation.

Ginger is a tropical root crop used as an herbal remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. This kitchen staple is used to treat a myriad of health problems, ranging from headaches, nausea, and minor pains to osteoarthritis, inflammatory ailments, and certain cancers. The ginger root contains 6-gingerol, a substance that reduces inflammation and oxidative stress.

Just like most plants in this list, ginger does not take much coddling to thrive. The ginger plant is considered as a tropical plant so it is best grown in warm to hot climates. It can be grown outdoors all year round but will require some shelter once the winter season starts. Ginger prefers moist soil and partly shady environments.

Did you know that dandelions are not just prized for their beautiful blossoms but of their medicinal properties too? All parts of the dandelion plant are loaded with essential nutrients, which is why the greens can be cooked or eaten raw. This plant is packed with powerful antioxidants that against cellular damage and oxidative stress, particularly beta-carotene and polyphenols. Traditionally, dandelions are used to treat liver disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections, and anemia.

Although dandelion belongs to a family of flowering plants, it is treated as a weed in many gardens because it grows rapidly. But if you want to build a medicinal garden or you’d like to attract bees and other pollinators to your garden or lawn, let the dandelions thrive. Just keep the growth under control so the dandelions won’t take over your outdoor space.

Lemon balm is used to calm and soothe frayed nerves since ancient times. This perennial plant is grown for its oil, which is used to treat anxiety and stress-related ailments including insomnia and other sleep disorders. Lemon balm is also a great treatment for cold sores, indigestion, boils, herpes, and fevers. Thanks to its beautiful bright green foliage and invigorating fragrance, lemon balm makes any garden setting even more eye-catching!

You can grow lemon balm to highlight walkways and pathways. Most gardeners grow lemon balm to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Grill a few stems of the lemon balm plant and the smell will drive mosquitoes away! The leaves of the lemon balm plant are also edible so they can be used to make fresh salads, soups, and sauces.

Need a little privacy in your yard? While you can always install a fence to divide your garden into different sections, there are so many options that you can explore when it comes to adding privacy in your outdoor space. Easily one of the best and most aesthetically pleasing ways of doing so involves planting fast-growing shrubs or tall plants to section off parts of the garden from prying eyes!

Thankfully, many varieties of shrubs, trailing plants, trees, and vines work great as a natural screen. Not only do these plants add shade and beauty to your outdoor space, they require minimal care too. Just make sure to prune the plants on a regular basis to maintain the shape of your living wall. Here are some of our favorite plants that will enhance your garden’s privacy:

Lucky bamboo is the quintessential privacy plant. It's easy to grow, it spreads like weeds, and it enhances the look of your outdoor space. This plant comes in many varieties and each one has different growth habits. Some are slow to grow; others will take over your yard in no time at all so choose wisely. The right bamboo variety adds height and lushness to the outdoor space, which makes it perfect for contemporary landscapes.

Our advice is to go for the clumping, non-spreading kind so the plant is much easier to control, like Fargesia bamboo. Do note, however, that bamboo is a member of the grass family. This means the plant requires fertilizers enriched with extra nitrogen. Use organic fertilizers if possible.

Arborvitae is one of the most popular privacy plants because it grows a dense foliage that keeps prying eyes away. The key to making an effective natural screen using arborvitae is to space out each plant properly. The right spacing creates a thick hedge that acts as a living wall. You can also prune its dense foliage to create different shapes.

Arborvitaes are typically deep green in color but some varieties turn a beautiful golden yellow during the fall and winter season. If you want to add a little color to your yard, you can opt for the color-changing variety. Arborvitae grows tall although it is a slow growing tree. This evergreen tree is quite tolerant of the cold. However, arborvitae is a thirsty plant so water deeply during the dry season.

Skip laurel is a type of evergreen shrub that works great as a hedge or as a natural screen. This plant could grow to about 18 feet or so although it's easy to trim. Skip laurel is known for its extremely dense, thick foliage. It's a hardy plant that thrives in a hot, dry or cold climate. This plant could also tolerate dry or nutrient-deficient soils.

Skip laurel grows to two feet each year so trim this plant regularly to keep its foliage under control. This plant is as tough as they come so you can either prune ruthlessly or gently, skip laurel will thrive regardless. This is the kind of privacy plant that's thick enough to hide an ugly view. However, it’s mostly used to section off certain parts of the yard.

Clematis is a crawling plant that will work beautifully as a privacy plant. This perennial vine is best known for its eye-catching, large blossoms that could frame any outdoor space perfectly. As a statement-making privacy plant, Clematis could section off small parts of the garden with its bell-shaped blooms and thick foliage.

What's more, Clematis blossoms add a lovely scent to the air, making an intimate space look and feel even more relaxing. Clematis is slow to mature so you have to be patient before the plant achieves its full effect. If you are growing Clematis, know that most varieties prefer cool roots. This plant is best grown at the base of another plant for shade.

What pretty screening climbing roses make! These flowering plants add a touch of beauty and romance to any outdoor setting. You can plant climbing roses over fences, walls, gazebos, or pergolas and the results will turn out amazing each time. Climbing roses come in an array of colors too so you can experiment with different varieties to give your outdoor space a dose of color. However, the pink climbing rose is the most popular.

Climbing roses may bloom once every season although some varieties could produce blooms throughout the rest of the growing season albeit sporadically. To encourage the climbing roses to yield more blossoms, deadhead the flowers and gently prune before the initial bloom.

Boxwood is often seen in traditional and formal gardens. As a quintessential privacy plant, boxwood is known for its compact, glossy leaves that add a touch of elegance and mystery to any garden space. Just like arborvitae, boxwood could be pruned into different shapes thanks to its dense branches.

Boxwood is a fairly forgiving plant. It doesn't require much coddling to thrive in poor growing environments. Boxwood is so low maintenance too, it does not require frequent pruning. It can maintain its shape for a long time, needing only an annual trim late in the winter season. Once established, boxwood doesn't require frequent watering either. In fact, boxwood is one of the few privacy plants that could handle drought with ease.

Known for its dark green, lustrous leaves, privet is a great choice as a living fence or a hedge. Depending on where you live and the variety you chose, privet could be evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous. But if you want to attract bees and other friendly garden critters, we highly suggest using privet as a living screen.

This plant will produce small clusters of blossoms that add fragrance to the air while also luring bees into your outdoor space. Do note, however, that this shrub is so easy to grow because it's an invasive plant. Careful pruning and training are needed to establish privets into sturdy hedges. That said, frequent pruning means the privets will produce fewer blooms because the flowering buds are cut along with the growing stems.

Japanese Holly is a dense evergreen known for its green, leathery leaves and black, berry-like fruits. This slow growing evergreen could reach 6 to 10 feet and it makes for a great natural screen. This plant is often grown as a houseplant but it thrives best in an outdoor setting in full shade.

Japanese Holly loves moist but never soggy soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant is surprisingly hardy in mild winters but the foliage could turn brown during the winter season. Used as a natural screen, Japanese holly adds contrast and glorious texture to your garden space.

While having acres of garden space is ideal for farming, you don’t need a lot of yard space to build a garden. City folks who’d like to try their hand at gardening could build an urban garden on rooftops. To build a garden, you must learn how to make the most out of your outdoor space, no matter the size! From investing in raised beds to fitting all your fruits and veggies on your yard, here are practical ways of optimizing your outdoor space for gardening:

It’s tempting to empty the nearest nursery to start your gardening journey with a bang but don’t. Instead of collecting several plants to get your balcony or patio garden going, start with a couple of plants first. Starting small is important especially if you are new to gardening. You don’t want to spend a small fortune on the wrong plants. Also, growing a lot of plants can be overwhelming for beginner gardeners so spare yourself the trouble and curate your collection.

Our advice is to start with 3 to 5 native plants or easy-to-grow crops. Native plants will fare better than exotics because these plants have adapted to the local climate. Since these plants have adapted well to the local climate, they’re much easier to take care of, which is perfect for busy or newbie gardeners.

Some fruits and vegetables need more room to grow; others will do well when grown in a small pot or a container. If you are dealing with a small space, it makes sense to choose crops that give the best yield despite the limited garden space.

Assuming that you only have a square foot of gardening space to spare, do not plant crops that grow too big like cabbages, cauliflower, brocs, etc. These crops spread as they grow and they will require several feet of space in between.  

We recommend planting high-yield crops that are suitable for small gardens such as carrots, garlic, lettuce, radishes, spinach, and any type of vertically growing crops. You can make the most out of the garden’s vertical space by installing trellises for your tomatoes, cucumber, beans, and other vine fruits and vegetables.

Speaking of maximizing the garden’s vertical space, you can make the most out of a small garden space by growing your crops vertically. Apart from installing trellises, you can use lattice, bamboo, pallet, netting, and rope to create your own vertical garden.

A vertical garden provides optimal yield and better pest management. Harvesting is also much easier when the crops are grown vertically. In addition, some types of trailing crops add shade and privacy to an outdoor space, which is great if you want to enhance your outdoor landscape.  

Crops are less prone to leaf fungus and fruit rot because the fruits are not in contact with the soil. Since the air moves freely through the plants, there will be less moisture buildup that could lead to diseases and rot. Saving water is also easier when growing a vertical garden. Every time you water your plants, there are fewer runoffs. Harvesting is also easier because you don’t have to bend over every time you are collecting your crops.

Traditionally, growers would set aside space for certain types of crops. This is ideal if you have a large expanse of space at your disposal but for most people with small gardens, this isn’t recommended at all. You could end up wasting a lot of space when you are growing only a limited type of crop. You can make the most out of your garden space by growing edibles and ornamental plants at the same time. It’s unconventional but it works for most urban gardens.

Growing diverse varieties of edible and ornamental plants enhance the look of your outdoor space while also protecting the crops from pests. Some types of flowering plant varieties, for instance, could repel nibbling insects. Other ornamental plants are known to attract pest-eating predators like nasturtium and calendula. Planting flowering plants near fruit-bearing plants ensure an optimal yield come harvest time.

When building a garden in a small space, it’s better to grow your crops in beds, not in rows. Planting crops in beds eliminates the wasted space for walking in between rows. A raised bed or two is perfect for any type of home gardens, particularly gardens with poor soil quality.

Raised beds give you better control over the soil quality while also helping you maximize your outdoor space. Thanks to the extra protection that raised beds provide, your crops are less prone to disease, rot, and infestations. The crops are also easier to maintain because the plants are grown in a confined space! To maximize your space even further, consider planting the crops closely together.

When it comes to optimizing an otherwise cramped garden space, it's best to invest in compact, multipurpose pieces to make every square inch of space work harder. That’s why it pays to spend your money on gardening items that pull double duty.

Hanging bins and baskets, benches with extra storage, even a patio table that works as a planter, these pieces makes a terrific addition to a small garden. These items serve a variety of purpose while also stretching the storage space of a small garden.

Think a focal point is only reserved for a large garden? Think again! Even a petite urban garden could benefit from a focal point. A focal point attracts the eye and adds a sense of purpose to a space. It also enhances the flow of the design, keeping the outdoor setup cohesive and harmonious by pulling all the design elements together!

Since you are decorating a small garden, choose compact items to use as a focal point. These items could be anything from a decorative water feature to a cluster of ornamental plants. You can also use hardscapes, cute planters, or a bench as your garden's focal point. The right placement is everything when creating a focal point. Set your outdoor accents in the perfect spot. Don't be afraid to play around until you find what works for your garden setup.

No matter how small a garden is, it pays to save a little space for relaxing. Enjoy your hard work by adding a simple seating area in your garden setup. Nothing too elaborate or bulky if you are working with a small space, a rustic bench or a compact patio chair or two is a great way to start building a spot where you can relax in the garden. Frame the seating area with lots of aromatic herbs, flowering or trailing plants to create an intimate, soothing space.

Add textures, colors, and pretty paving to give this space visual interest. You can also use trellises, an arch or perhaps an arbor to let the crawling plants frame the space. Gardening in a small apartment has its challenges but there are ways to make the otherwise limited space work according to your gardening needs. With these gardening tips, you can create a stunning yet productive garden space, no matter how tiny your outdoor space may be!

If you are serious about gardening then you know that mulching is an integral part of a well-maintained garden. Contrary to popular notion, mulching is not done simply to enhance the look of a garden. Mulching has its practical uses too. In this guide, let us talk about the importance of mulching, types of mulching to consider, how to mulch, and the other important factors that come to play when it comes to mulching:

Mulching is the term used to describe the addition of a protective layer around plants to improve a garden's health and appearance. Mulching materials are spread over garden beds and surrounding greeneries to support proper growth and reduce the effects of harsh weather conditions.

Apart from creating a protective barrier against harsh weather conditions, mulching also improves the soil’s structure. It keeps pests at bay while letting garden-friendly critters thrive. In addition, mulching protects the plant roots from weeds, frosts, and intense heat. The mulch could also improve the soil texture, which is beneficial for gardens that get a lot of snow. Using the right mulching material keeps the soil moist and nutrient-rich, eliminating the need for fertilizer. All of these contribute to a healthy-looking garden that you’d be proud to show off!

Mulching materials will vary but generally, garden mulch can be categorized into two types: organic and inorganic mulches.

Non-biodegradable mulch is made from inorganic materials such as slate, shingles, pebbles, and stone clippings. Since these mulching materials are hefty, they do not wash off easily nor get blown by the wind. Inorganic mulch adds beauty to the garden while providing ample soil protection from the elements. The materials conduct heat efficiently so inorganic mulch is perfect for protecting heat-loving plants.

That being said, inorganic mulch does not improve the soil structure at all. Since stones, pebbles, and gravel retain heat, these mulching materials are not ideal to use in places that get a lot of sun. The heat retained by the mulch could kill delicate plants and young trees!

Regardless if you are using organic or inorganic mulch, we highly recommend using landscaping fabrics for the beds and borders. Choose landscaping fabrics that are made from permeable materials like the ones sold at our online store so moisture and air could freely seep into the material and improve plant growth!

While mulching certainly contributes to the overall look of the garden, it’s not done mainly to make an outdoor space look good. Here are just a few of the many benefits of mulching:

Mulching helps retain soil moisture, which will lighten your garden load. For one thing, you don’t have to water your plants/crops often since the soil is protected from harsh weather conditions. Mulching prevents moisture evaporation, keeping the soil nice and moist at all times. If you are using organic mulch, the mulching material releases more nutrients into the soil when in contact with water. This enhances the ability of the soil to retain more moisture further.

Weeding should be done daily and this garden chore gets old real fast especially if you are plagued with mobility problems. Mulch works wonderfully in terms of minimizing weed growth. It suppresses weed growth by blocking sunlight that nourishes the weeds.

Since the mulch covers a huge expanse of space, it can suppress weed growth in large gardens. You don’t have to worry about your daily weeding especially if you are maintaining a large garden and breaking your back in the process.

Soil erosion is a serious problem especially for places that get a lot of rainfall each year as well as sloped gardens. Places with loose, sandy soil are also prone to soil erosion. Laying out mulch helps protect the soil from rushing water, wind, and burrowing animals, all of which are common reasons why soil erode in certain places. With a layer of mulch in place, the soil is protected from harsh weather conditions as well as pests that disturb the soil.

If your garden is prone to crawling or burrowing pests, a layer of mulch should deter destructive critters that are feasting on your crops. Slugs and snails thrive in places with smooth terrain because their soft tissues cannot tolerate rough or uneven terrains. With a layer of mulch, your garden soil is covered with sharp, uneven terrain that no snail or slug could penetrate.

Small nibbling or burrowing animals like rabbits, mice, rats, etc., do not stand a chance against mulching. Covering the ground with mulch is a great way to deter insects that are harmful to plants. On the flip side, mulch supports the growth of beneficial critters such as earthworms, which enrich and aerate the soil!

Mulch is so effective when it comes to protecting plant roots from the elements. Bare soil is not the ideal growing spot for delicate plants, especially seedlings. Adding a layer of mulch ensures the proper growth and expansion of the plant roots while also protecting against root damage caused by frost and intense heat.

The first step to mulching is soil amendment. Essentially, you have to prepare the soil so it is teeming with nutrients plants need to grow before adding a layer of protection above ground. Clear the ground of weeds, twigs, small stones, and other debris using a rake. Continue raking the ground until the soil texture is loosened.

If the ground is too compact or too difficult to work with, pour water into the soil then continue raking. When the ground is ready for amendment, work the fertilizer into the soil. You may also conduct a soil test to check the acidity or alkalinity of the soil and then amend the soil accordingly.

After amending the soil, you can start laying the mulch. Cover the ground in a 2-inch thick layer of mulch. If there are existing plants in the place that you are mulching, go around each one. Never mulch right up to the plant stems or trees, rot could set in and kill the plants.  

Once the mulching has been laid over the intended spot, level its surface out with a rake. You don’t want little mounds of mulching ruining the look of the garden. Check the mulching near the trees, make sure the base of the trunk is free from mounds of mulch.

If your mulch starts hardening after several months to a year, you have to break the hardened layer apart and fluff the mulching material regularly. This goes too if your mulch has matted months after it’s been laid on the ground.

Generally, mulch made from organic materials is better than inorganic mulch simply because the materials break down to enrich the soil. Composting materials that are easily broken down provide higher levels of nutrients to the soil so use older mulching materials like old woodchips, dry leaves or old lawn clippings.

Old wood chips, especially pine or eucalyptus, are teeming with nitrogen, which will contribute significantly to proper plant growth. Straw and hay are other garden materials that are ideal as mulching materials.

You can buy pre-made mulch at your local garden centers and some e-gardening stores. However, store-bought mulch tends to be expensive and if you have a large space to cover, the expenses could pile up real fast. Mulch made from stones may last longer than organic mulch but it is more costly to buy this product per bag. If you bought pre-made mulch, you cannot use it right away. You have to leave the mulch to mature for several weeks before applying it to your plants.

You can always make your own mulching at home using garden wastes or invest in a garden shredder to speed things along. It helps if you maintain a compost pile because this can be used to make organic mulch. However, it will take months, sometimes years, for the composting materials to break down. Shredding the compost materials before adding them into the compost should help shorten the rotting period so the compost will be ready to use in just a few months.

The texture of the mulch matters. Generally, coarse mulches create a permeable layer that allows water and air to pass through the soil. Mulches made from fine materials will absorb more water, which will reduce the time you spend watering your plants. Ideally, the mulching material must be about 5 mm in size for optional plant growth.

Are there any drawbacks to mulching? Most gardening experts agree that mulching is beneficial to the garden. However, the way the mulch has been applied affects plant growth so it has to be laid down properly otherwise, mulching may weaken plants significantly.

If money is tight, we don’t recommend buying cheap, pre-made mulches. Make your own instead. Using low-quality mulches may cause weed growth or diseases to spread in the garden.

Mulching is best done in gardens with established plants. Seedlings and young plants are quite delicate and adding mulch might affect their growing condition and cause nutrient deficiency. It’s important to water the plants deeply the first few weeks after laying down the mulch so the liquid reaches the plant roots.

If you are seeing white growths spreading on top of your organic mulch, do not remove these. The white growths are saprophytic fungi, which help break down the organic materials at a much faster rate. Saprophytic fungi also support plant life so it’s best to leave the white growths alone.  

Using landscape fabrics or woven fabrics will prolong the life of the mulch and improve the look of your garden. Landscaping materials made from permeable fabric helps retain moisture so the soil won’t dry out.  

As you can see, mulching is an effective way to improve plant health and enhance the quality of your garden soil. Adding mulch to your garden improves the look of your outdoor space too! Yes, making mulch from garden scraps and applying it on your garden soil takes effort but the benefits of mulching will always outweigh its drawbacks.

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Pests have a way of infesting a garden, no matter how meticulous you are at keeping destructive critters at bay. Most growers control pests using chemicals but if you'd like to try the all-natural route, it is possible to grow a pest-free garden organically.

Growing some plants help repel certain species of garden pests. These plants keep your outdoor space bug-free without polluting the soil or affecting your garden’s microflora.

Love the soothing scent of lavender? That's great news if your garden is always infested by mosquitos and fleas. Growing lavender repels these common garden pests along with other garden insects thanks to its distinct fragrance!

What's more, you can extract the oil from the lavender blossoms and create your own all-natural mosquito repellant. You can also use the dried lavender flowers to keep moths from destroying your clothes in the closet. If you are planting lavender to ward off garden pests, we highly recommend planting it around or near the seating areas. This way, you can enjoy your outdoor space without being bitten by bugs.

Thinking of building a flower garden? Don’t forget to add chrysanthemums to your flower garden to keep your outdoor space pest-free. Chrysanthemums are often added to dog shampoos because the blossoms contain a chemical that repels ticks and fleas. In addition, chrysanthemums are effective in warding off ants, spider mites, Japanese beetles, silverfish, even bed bugs, and roaches!

Chrysanthemums make the perfect companion plants in vegetable gardens too. They add a pop of color to the garden while also repelling different garden bugs. Again, plant the chrysanthemums near seating areas so you can relax and enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about bugs ruining the experience.

Aromatic herbs are often used to ward off garden critters but basil, in particular, is so potent, it is commonly used as a companion plant in vegetable gardens! Basil is effective in repelling common houseflies and mosquitoes. This herb is so good at warding off bugs that you can make an all-natural insect repellent using fresh basil leaves. Just pour 4 ounces of boiling water into a handful of fresh basil leaves. Let the mixture steep for several hours, strain then add 4 ounces of cheap vodka. Transfer to a spray bottle and spritz away!

Since this herb does not grow too big, you can grow basil in small pots and set the pots in strategic spots in the garden to control pests. You can also set a pot of basil (or three) near the kitchen to discourage flies from entering your house.

Nasturtium is a type of annual plant prized for its golden blossoms and soft, green leaves. This easy to grow flowering plant is also loved by gardeners for its uncanny ability to repel a variety of common garden insects, including whiteflies and aphids.

Nasturtiums release an airborne chemical that wards off destructive insects. To control garden pests, plant Nasturtiums around the patio or along flower beds. You can use nasturtiums as companion plants to certain vegetables.

Citronella oil is a popular ingredient in scented candles and natural insect repellants because of its ability to ward off mosquitoes. The oil is extracted from lemongrass, a type of ornamental grass that could also keep common garden bugs at bay all thanks to its strong citrusy fragrance. The plant itself is an eye-catching ornamental plant and it's often grown as an accent to most types of gardens. Lemongrass does not grow too big so it well suited in container gardens too.

Marigold adds a vivid pop of deep yellow to outdoor landscapes. This flowering plant is so easy to grow so if you are new to gardening, try adding marigolds to your garden! Marigolds just need the full sun and well-draining soil to thrive. The best part about growing marigolds is that they could deter a variety of insects including mosquitoes, squash bugs, aphids, and tomato worms! Marigolds are naturally rich in a chemical that's used in making natural insect repellants.

To make the most out of marigold’s ability to ward off destructive insects, set the plant in strategic spots all over the garden. You can place pots of marigolds around the patio, near doorways, or on a windowsill to deter invading insects.

Here's another reason to love mint: this refreshing herb repels a multitude of bugs including mosquitos and ants. It can also deter small rodents like mice! This easy to grow herb spreads easily so a small pot of mint will definitely go a long way! Its pretty, vivid green foliage will also make any garden setting alive with color!

You can use fresh mint leaves to make your own natural insect repellant. Just crush the mint leaves, add a little apple cider vinegar and witch hazel then transfer the concoction in a spray bottle. Spritz away whenever you head out to keep bugs away. You can also use the mint leaves as an herb or garnish to foods and drinks!

Love petunias? This flowering plant is a favorite among growers because the blossoms add mountains of color to the garden. This annual plant produces flowers all season long and the flowers come in many colors. In fact, new varieties are being launched each year!

Petunias are not only pretty to look at; the flowers emit a sweet fragrance that lures destructive insects in. The plant has sticky hairs that trap insects and the plant roots eventually absorb the nutrients from the bodies of the dead insects.

Who doesn't love rosemary? This aromatic herb is often used to season meats and poultry. The herb adds a lovely aroma to many dishes, including holiday staples and sauces. Apart from making any dish ten times tastier, rosemary is an efficient pest repellant. It could ward off flies, mosquitos, and cabbage moths thanks to its pungent aroma.

This herb thrives in pots so you can set a pot or two on the kitchen windowsill to repel annoying insects and keep your home bug-free. You can also plant rosemary in strategic places in the garden to discourage bugs from noshing on your plants.

Rounding up our list of the best pest-repelling plants to grow in the garden is garlic. This herb could deter all sorts of crawling and flying insects, including mosquitos and nibbling beetles. No need to whip up any concoction to make your own natural insect repellant using garlic. The plant itself works to deter insects. That's why we recommend planting garlic in strategic places in the garden to keep creepy crawlies away. However, you can make a more potent insect repellant using fresh garlic cloves!