The COVID-19 pandemic has led many individuals and families to home isolation. It’s good that after a year, many have pursued productive indoor activities. In fact, many homeowners carried out home improvement projects last year.
But did you know that Forbes tagged 2021 as the year of the yard? This year, many families have already undergone outdoor landscaping projects. On top of these projects is outdoor gardening as a means to improve the outdoor space.
Know that it’s not yet too late to pursue home gardening during this pandemic. However, there are a few critical variables to keep in mind when doing so. That said, here are key factors to consider for your outdoor gardening:
- Fertilization
When it comes to home gardening, fertilization is a crucial part of the overall equation. It helps facilitate and boost the growth of plants. There are two basic types of fertilizers: mineral and organic. While the former is chemically processed and produced, the latter comes from natural elements like livestock manure and plant residue.
That said, fertilize your plants so that they can absorb essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Ultimately, doing so will help your plants develop their roots, stems, leaves, or flowers.
- Soil Aeration
As far as outdoor gardening is concerned, it typically involves planting on the ground. Unless you’re setting a hydroponic system (growing plants without soil), pay attention to how you grow plants on the ground. For your plants to absorb water and nutrients, be sure to aerate the soil.
Know that the ground can become compacted with constant foot traffic and thatch buildup. Soil aeration allows your plants to breathe and hold oxygen. Ultimately, it helps absorb water and nutrients more quickly and easily.
- Mulching
It’s crucial to spread mulch in your garden for the benefit of your plants. Its ultimate goal is to retain soil moisture and control weeds. Not only does mulching have a practical purpose, but it can also make your garden bed visually appealing.
As such, be highly selective of the materials you’ll use to lay over the soil surface. For organic materials, opt for shredded leaves, pine needles, and shredded or chipped bark. Also, you can try synthetic mulch such as stone or gravel, black plastic, and landscape fabric.
- Watering
Of course, you can’t do outdoor gardening without watering. Water is an essential element in growing your plants. However, some gardeners wonder how often and how much water they should consider for their garden.
Know that you must water your plants just enough. Too much water can drown your plants, while less water can keep them parched. The general rule of thumb is to water the plants as deeply as possible. The water must soak at least eight inches below the soil surface.
- Sunlight
Apart from soil and water, sunlight is key to healthy foliage, blooms, and trees. Whether it’s full shade and part shade, be strategic with where you grow your plants in your garden.
Of course, the amount of light your garden gets changes throughout the day. However, make sure that most of your plants get exposed to direct sunlight. With enough sunlight, you’ll be amazed at how your lawn becomes evergreen, plants thrive, and flowers bloom.
- Trimming and Pruning
It’s easy to obtain plant supplies with the landscaping suppliers available in the market. However, the hardest part is planting and growing these shrubs, flowers, and trees.
Apart from those mentioned above, you also have to trim your shrubs and prune your trees regularly. Not only do trimming and pruning make your garden aesthetically appealing, but they also help your garden elements grow healthy and strong.
- Weed and Pest Control
Nothing can be more alarming than seeing weeds, pests, and plant diseases. As far as your lawn care is concerned, be sure to pull out those weeds in your garden. They can compete with your plants and get their nutrients.
In addition, be wary of pests in your garden, whether critters or rodents. Some insects such as bugs and rodents like rats can feed your plants. As such, you need to use natural, homemade pesticides to get rid of these pests without harming your garden.
At this point, you now know what to consider for your outdoor gardening during this pandemic. Be sure to factor in all those mentioned above—from fertilization and watering to weed and pest control. With all these in place, you’ll be amazed at how your plants grow, flowers bloom, and trees stand proud and tall. Ultimately, you’ll have fruitful outdoor gardening amid the pandemic.
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