July is an ideal month to spruce up your outdoor space with beautiful greenery. You can find plants at a discounted price since the season has already begun. Yet, it’s not too late to sprout some plants in the ground.
You can use gardening to keep your home safer, especially if you live in an area that is prone to fires. You may be able to save some money on your home insurance premium if you use gardening to build a firebreak around your home. If you are looking for ways to save money on your insurance, you can compare different companies to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Freeway Insurance has a top-rated reputation for helping people find the best rates on coverage at an affordable price. So, if you’re busy like most people, give them a call and read on for low-maintenance gardening tips.
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Select the Right Plants
When planning your garden, you want to be sure you plant things that will reward you with great vegetation and those that are easy to work with. One option is to plant native plants. These types of plants will fare better and be more resistant to disease.
This will differ depending on what state/area you live in. You can ask the person at the garden store which ones are native to your area.
Perennials are another great low-maintenance choice because once you plant them, they come back every year, making your job easier. However, since July is typically hot, you must carefully select your plants. A few perennial options that don’t require as much water are lavender, echinacea, and black-eyed Susan.
Plan to Do Less Weeding
No one enjoys weeding, but it is a part of gardening. However, if you take some time at the start of your garden plan, you will save time later. You can lay down a weed mat, then place mulch around the plants to reduce or eliminate the weeds you’ll have.
If you want a more creative alternative to keep the weeds out, simply use a ground cover like creeping phlox. These come in various colors, such as lavender, red, and white. Not only will these keep weeds out, they are a stunning addition to any garden.
Consider Raised Beds and Porch Containers
Some people may opt for a smaller garden and use a combination of raised beds and porch containers, or just one or the other. A raised bed helps keep pests away, provides easier soil maintenance, and reduces the need for weeding. If you use potted containers, you can always move them around to get the best sunlight (or shade if that’s what the plant needs).
These gardens may work best for a busy lifestyle or someone who wants a small number of plants. You could plant tomatoes in a container and enjoy freshly sliced juiciness without digging into your yard.
Don’t Forget Safety
Whenever you’re working outside, always take the necessary precautions. Make sure you stay hydrated on hot days and take breaks when necessary. Whether you’re just pulling some weeds or sinking your plants in the soil, gardening in July can come with certain risks for people with heart conditions.
Also, if you do a lot of digging with a shovel, you may strain your muscles. Gardening is hard work. Some people hang ivy-climbing plants on the side of their homes and use a ladder to reach those high spots, creating another risky endeavor.
Go ahead and dig in this summer to start planning out your low-maintenance garden!