10 Easy Gardening Tips for Busy People: Create a Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Garden
Gardening is a fun hobby, but it can take a lot of time. Whenever I hear about gardeners who spend hours every day working in their gardens, I get really jealous. As a mom and wife with a full-time job, I’m lucky if I get two or three hours a week to focus on my garden during the summer. High-maintenance plants just don’t work for me. Mowing the lawn feels like a big chore, and trimming and pruning are tasks I only want to do once or twice a year. I’d much rather spend my limited garden time adding new plants, arranging cool plant combinations, and pulling a few weeds for fun. I want to spend most of my time on the enjoyable parts of gardening and skip the fussy work. Here are some easy gardening tips I’ve come up with over the years to help me spend less time on maintenance and more time on the fun stuff.
1. Mulch, Then Mulch Some More
Mulch is one of the best things you can use in your garden. It does a lot of jobs at once. Mulch makes your garden look neat, conserves moisture, stops weeds from growing, and keeps the soil warm. One application of mulch in the spring is usually all you need. As the mulch breaks down, it also adds nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for extra fertilizers.
Mulching also helps improve soil structure by breaking down over time and enriching the soil with organic matter. This can reduce the need for frequent fertilization and keep your plants healthier with less effort. Mulch acts as a barrier, reducing the number of weeds that can sprout up and take over your garden beds. By keeping the soil cooler in summer and warmer in winter, mulch also helps to protect plant roots from extreme temperatures, which means you won’t have to replace damaged plants as often.
Choosing the right type of mulch for your garden is important. Organic mulches, like wood chips, bark, or compost, decompose over time, adding nutrients to the soil. Inorganic mulches, like stones or rubber, last longer but don’t provide the same soil benefits. The best mulch for your garden depends on your specific needs, the type of plants you have, and your local climate. Experimenting with different types can help you find the perfect match for your garden, making it even easier to maintain.
2. Invest in Bigger Plants
I love starting plants from seeds or buying small starter plants from nurseries, but I don’t always have time to take care of them properly. If I forget to water them or check on them, they might not survive. To avoid this problem, I’ve started buying bigger plants when I really like something. Larger plants are more mature and can handle a little neglect. They also fill in the garden faster, so you don’t have to wait as long for them to make an impact.
Investing in larger plants also means they are more resilient to pests and diseases. Younger plants are more vulnerable and may require more frequent care, such as pest control or extra watering, to survive. By choosing more mature plants, you reduce the need for constant monitoring and care, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful, thriving garden with less work. This approach is especially useful for busy people who don’t have the time to nurse delicate seedlings through their early stages.
Another benefit of bigger plants is that they often come with more developed root systems. This means they establish themselves in the garden more quickly, leading to healthier growth and faster blooming. These plants are also more likely to survive harsh weather conditions, making your garden more resilient and easier to maintain. By spending a little more upfront on larger plants, you save time and effort in the long run, and your garden will look fuller and more vibrant sooner.
3. Rethink Your Lawn
Some people find mowing the lawn to be a relaxing activity, but for me, it’s just boring. There are two ways to reduce the time spent on lawn care: expand your garden beds to make your lawn smaller, or hire someone else to mow it for you. If you decide to hire someone, make sure to show them around your garden and explain what you want. You don’t want them accidentally mowing over your favorite plants.
By expanding your garden beds, you not only reduce the amount of lawn that needs to be mowed, but you also create more space for beautiful, low-maintenance plants that require less care than grass. This can include perennials, shrubs, and ground covers that don’t need frequent attention. Additionally, you can incorporate native plants that are well-adapted to your local climate and soil, further reducing the need for watering and fertilization. Expanding garden beds can also improve the overall aesthetic of your garden, adding texture and variety.
If you decide to hire someone to mow your lawn, it’s important to communicate clearly about your expectations. Ensure they know which areas to avoid, such as delicate flower beds or newly planted shrubs. Regular communication can help prevent mistakes that could lead to damaged plants or unwanted changes in your garden’s appearance. Hiring a professional can be a great time-saver, but it’s essential to find someone reliable and experienced to care for your lawn according to your standards.
4. Plant Self-Sowing Annuals
Annuals are plants that live for just one year, but they add a lot of color and beauty to your garden. The only downside is that you have to plant them every year. However, some annuals can actually plant themselves by reseeding. This means they’ll grow back on their own the next year, saving you time and money. The cool thing is that they might even create plant combinations you wouldn’t have thought of. Just be aware that these plants might reseed in spots you didn’t expect.
Self-sowing annuals are a fantastic way to keep your garden looking vibrant without the yearly effort of planting new flowers. They naturally spread their seeds, so you can enjoy fresh blooms each year with minimal effort. Some of the best self-sowing annuals include cosmos, larkspur, and love-in-a-mist. These plants are not only beautiful but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help improve the health of your garden overall.
One thing to consider with self-sowing annuals is that they might not always reseed exactly where you want them. You might find them growing in unexpected places, which can be part of the charm or a bit of a challenge, depending on your garden design preferences. If you prefer more control over your garden’s appearance, you can always transplant the seedlings to more desirable locations once they start to grow. This gives you the best of both worlds: low-maintenance beauty with a touch of creative freedom.
5. Add a Permanent Structure
Adding a piece of garden art can make a big difference in how your garden looks. A beautiful obelisk, birdhouse, or well-crafted arbor can hide any flaws in your garden, like bare spots or weeds. Even something simple like an old bicycle or brightly painted bamboo canes can add interest to your garden. These structures are also nice to look at during the winter when the plants aren’t as vibrant.
Permanent structures in your garden can serve multiple purposes. Not only do they add visual interest and focal points, but they also provide support for climbing plants like roses, clematis, or ivy. These structures can help you create vertical interest, making your garden appear larger and more dynamic. By adding features like trellises or pergolas, you can also create shaded areas that make your garden more enjoyable to spend time in during the hot summer months.
Garden structures can also be functional, such as storage sheds or greenhouses, which help you keep your gardening tools organized and protect delicate plants from harsh weather. When choosing a permanent structure, consider materials that are durable and weather-resistant, like metal, stone, or treated wood, to ensure they last for many years. A well-chosen structure can transform your garden into a more inviting and beautiful space with minimal ongoing effort.
6. Make Your Garden Self-Watering
Watering is one of those garden tasks that you can’t skip, but you can make it easier. I use soaker hoses for my perennial borders and watering systems with emitters for my containers. These systems are set up on a timer, so I don’t have to think about watering as much. I just pay attention to the weather and adjust the watering schedule if needed. Even though these systems still need some care, they save me a lot of time compared to manually watering all my plants.
Self-watering systems are especially useful for busy gardeners who don’t have the time to hand-water their plants every day. Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems can be laid out across your garden, delivering water directly to the roots where it’s needed most. This not only saves time but also reduces water waste by minimizing evaporation. Automated systems can be set up to water your plants at the optimal times of day, such as early morning or late evening, which helps keep your plants healthy and thriving.
For container gardens, self-watering pots are a great option. These pots have built-in reservoirs that allow plants to draw up water as needed, reducing the frequency of watering. This is particularly helpful during hot summer months when plants in containers
can dry out quickly. With a self-watering system in place, you can go on vacation or focus on other tasks without worrying that your garden will suffer from neglect.
7. Choose Shrubs That Don’t Need Pruning
I love my yew hedge, but I don’t have the time or energy to keep it perfectly trimmed. When I finally replace it, I’m going to choose shrubs that naturally stay compact and neat, like ‘Green Mound’ boxwood. There are also larger shrubs that don’t need much pruning, like doublefile viburnum, spirea, and ceanothus. By choosing low-maintenance shrubs, you can save a lot of time on pruning and shearing.
Low-maintenance shrubs are a great choice for busy gardeners because they require minimal effort to keep them looking good. Many of these shrubs have a naturally tidy growth habit, so they don’t need regular pruning to maintain their shape. This means you can enjoy the beauty of a well-kept garden without spending hours on upkeep. In addition to their low-maintenance nature, many of these shrubs are also drought-tolerant, making them even easier to care for.
When selecting shrubs, look for varieties that are known for their disease resistance and hardiness. These characteristics will ensure that your shrubs stay healthy and vibrant without the need for frequent treatments or replacements. Some other excellent low-maintenance shrubs include dwarf lilac, Japanese holly, and potentilla. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can create a lush, green landscape that practically takes care of itself.
8. Lower Your Standards
Every garden has some weeds and imperfections. I have so many dandelions in my yard that my neighbor uses them to make dandelion wine. The truth is, the only person who notices the little flaws in your garden is you. If you focus on enjoying your garden and the time you spend in it, you won’t mind if it’s not perfectly manicured. Gardening is a work in progress, just like everything else in life.
Lowering your standards doesn’t mean neglecting your garden; it means being realistic about what you can achieve with the time and resources you have. It’s important to recognize that gardens are living, evolving spaces that will never be perfect. By accepting this, you can reduce the stress and frustration that comes with trying to maintain a flawless garden. Instead, focus on the joy that gardening brings, whether it’s the satisfaction of growing your own vegetables, the beauty of seasonal flowers, or the peacefulness of spending time outdoors.
Embracing imperfection also gives you the freedom to experiment and be creative in your garden without the pressure of achieving perfection. Maybe you’ll discover that the wild look of naturalized plants appeals to you, or that a little bit of overgrowth adds character to your garden. By lowering your standards and enjoying the process, you can create a garden that is uniquely yours and a source of happiness rather than stress.
9. Plant Winter-Proof Containers
One of the hardest jobs in my garden is moving heavy pots up from the basement in spring and back down in fall. My husband usually helps with this, but to save him some time, I’ve started adding more winter-proof containers to my collection. These pots are made of concrete and high-quality fiberglass, so they can stay outside all year without cracking. Keeping these containers on my patio also lets me add some winter interest with evergreen boughs and berries. This way, I don’t have to worry about my pots during the winter.
Winter-proof containers are a smart investment for any gardener who wants to reduce seasonal maintenance. By choosing durable materials like concrete, fiberglass, or metal, you ensure that your containers can withstand freezing temperatures without cracking or deteriorating. This means you won’t have to move them indoors during the winter, saving you time and effort. Additionally, these containers can be used year-round, allowing you to plant cold-hardy perennials or evergreens that provide visual interest even in the colder months.
In addition to their durability, winter-proof containers can also add aesthetic value to your garden. Available in a variety of styles and finishes, these containers can complement your garden’s design and enhance its overall look. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of stone or the sleek modernity of fiberglass, there’s a winter-proof container to suit your taste. By selecting containers that are both functional and beautiful, you can create a garden that looks great throughout the year with minimal maintenance.
10. Choose Easy-Care Perennials
Perennials are plants that come back year after year. It’s fun to try new and unusual plants in your garden, but it’s a good idea to start with a foundation of easy-care perennials. These plants are dependable and will keep your garden looking great even if some of the new plants don’t work out. Some classic perennials that always perform well in my Northeast garden include ‘Aureola’ Japanese forest grass, ‘Goldsturm’ black-eyed Susan, and mildew-resistant ‘David’ phlox. To find the best easy-care perennials for your area, take a drive around your neighborhood and see what plants look good in different yards.
Easy-care perennials are perfect for gardeners who want a beautiful garden without the constant upkeep. These plants are often hardy, disease-resistant, and capable of thriving in a variety of soil conditions. By choosing perennials that are well-suited to your local climate, you reduce the need for extra watering, fertilizing, and pest control. This not only saves you time but also makes your garden more sustainable by reducing the need for chemical inputs and excessive water use.
When selecting perennials, consider plants that have a long blooming season or interesting foliage that provides year-round interest. Plants like hostas, daylilies, and coneflowers are great examples of easy-care perennials that add color and texture to your garden with minimal effort. By incorporating these plants into your garden design, you create a vibrant, low-maintenance landscape that looks beautiful throughout the seasons with little work on your part.
By following these easy gardening tips, you can reduce the amount of time you spend on maintenance and spend more time enjoying your garden. Whether it’s planting self-sowing annuals, using mulch, or adding a piece of garden art, these strategies will help you create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that fits into your busy life.