News You Can Use
Gardening success made easy
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Pam McTeer
March 16, 2005
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Not everyone has a “green thumb,” but even the part-time gardener can avoid many planting woes with careful preparation.
When cultivating a piece of ground, give consideration to how much time you have to care for it and what plants will help you reach your gardening goals, advises Bob Brzuszek, assistant extension professor of landscape architecture at Mississippi State University.
“A lot of gardeners start with high expectations,” he observes. “It makes life easier when you keep things simple or are prepared for high-maintenance plants.” He adds: “But, certainly put in some fun things that you want.”
Organizing ideas, plants and materials will help avoid a “hodge-podge,” difficult-to-care-for plot, Brzuszek says. For gardening success, he offers several important reminders, including:
—“Understand” the property; locate problem areas and utility lines, determine the soil type and how much direct sunlight the area is exposed to each day.
—If unfamiliar with the land, take inventory—especially new home-owners. Consider waiting a year to see what plants the property already has and how successfully they grow.
—Always plan beforehand; decide on plants and their locations before spending money at the nursery. Also, choose plants wisely and keep the plan simple.
Brzuszek says those with little time or interest in a complex garden might want to consider low-maintenance plants such as sunflowers or day lilies. High-maintenance plants such as roses or grass require regular care and will take considerable time over the growing season.
It’s essential that the right plants go in the right place, he adds. Trees, for example, should not be located near power lines, and taller plants should be situated behind smaller plants for good composition.
Finally, cover garden beds with a solid layer of mulch to help retain ground moisture and help plants deal with summer heat. In framing the plots, choose brick, rocks or plastic lumber instead of wood.