10 Tips For A Healthy Garden

Selecting the right plants is the best way to get your garden off to a good start.

Choose plants that suit your climate and select healthy plants from the nursery, inspecting for pests and diseases before purchasing.

Work compost and organic matter such as manure into the garden bed before planting to ensure there are enough nutrients to support the new plants as they grow.

Turn over the soil to maximise drainage and allow a healthy root system to grow.

Position plants where they will receive the appropriate amount of light.

Most vegetables prefer full sun, while more delicate plants like ferns prefer partial or full shade.

Consider how sunlight reflects off walls, windows or fences, as this can burn leaves in the heat of summer.

While most plants generate all the food they need through photosynthesis, they still require nutrients to grow.

Apply the appropriate amount of fertiliser for your plants, and ensure that plants in the same bed have the same feeding requirements.

A layer of mulch on top of the soil helps to retain moisture and discourage weeds. Find out how to make your own.

Young seedlings are vulnerable, and can be easily damaged by excess sunlight, watering, high winds or frost. Monitor seedlings during their young stage until they are strong enough to handle the elements on their own.

Removing dead flowers encourages more blooms and can prolong the blooming period of flowering plants.

Depending on the species, you can also save the seeds from the flower head to grow a new generation of plants.

Worms are fantastic to have in the garden, as they condition the soil and help break down organic matter.

Worms are one of the signs of a healthy garden, so if you see some in your beds, you’re doing something right!

Worm farms are an ideal way to create rich, organic fertiliser and they also help keep kitchen scraps out of landfill.

Many plants have partner species that can help protect the plant from pests, or encourage healthy growth.

Some plants that go together include tomatoes and cabbage, cucumbers and nasturtiums, and rosemary and sage, while marigolds can deter many different types of pests.

Find out more about companion planting here.

Keeping plants well watered in summer is essential to avoid dehydration and stress.

If you’re a forgetful gardener, consider installing a sprinkler system on a timer to automatically water your plants.

In winter, avoid overwatering, especially if your area experiences a lot of rain, as this can lead to fungal problems.