The best outdoor plants for beginners
There are a lot of variables to consider when you’re picking out plants—sunlight, water, soil type—but the most important thing is picking a plant that will thrive in your particular conditions. To make things simpler, we talked to gardening experts to get their tips on the best outdoor plants for beginners.
“One of the best things you can do when starting a garden is to pick a few tried and true plants that are known to be easy to grow in your area,” says Trishkin. “Talk to your local nursery or cooperative extension about what plants are best suited for your climate and soil type.”
Here are a few recommendations from gardening experts on the best outdoor plants for beginners:
1. Pansies
Pansies are one of the most cheerful spring flowers, and they’re also one of the easiest to grow. “Pansies are very tolerant of both cold and heat and make great container plants,” says Barbara Wise, author of Container Gardening for All Seasons. “They bloom profusely from spring until fall, and come in every color imaginable.” Pansies can be planted directly in the ground or in containers.
2. impatiens
Impatiens are another great choice for beginning gardeners. “Impatiens are shade-loving annuals that come in a wide variety of colors,” says Laura Lathrop, horticulturist at Flower Power Garden Centers. “They’re perfect for filling in shady areas of the garden, and they bloom all summer long.” Impatiens can be planted directly in the ground or in containers.
3. petunias
Petunias are one of the most popular annual flowers, and it’s easy to see why—they’re easy to grow and come in a wide range of colors, from classic reds and blues to more unusual shades like purple and green. “Petunias make great container plants,” says Lathrop. “They’ll spill over the edges of pots and baskets, and they bloom all summer long.” Petunias can be planted directly in the ground or in containers.
How to care for easy-to-grow outdoor plants
To keep your easy-to-grow outdoor plants looking their best, follow these simple tips:
1. Water regularly. All plants need water to survive, but some require more than others. Check the soil before watering to make sure it’s dry.
2. Fertilize regularly. Fertilizing helps plants grow strong and healthy. Easy-to-grow outdoor plants generally don’t need a lot of fertilizer, so you can get away with using a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content.
3. Prune as needed. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and can also help to shape your plants. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears.
4. Inspect for pests and diseases. Outdoor plants are susceptible to pests and diseases just like indoor plants. Inspect your plants regularly for signs of problems and take action as needed.
Top tips for growing outdoor plants
To ensure success with easy-to-grow outdoor plants, follow these simple tips:
-Choose the right location. Make sure the spot you choose gets plenty of sunlight and has good drainage. Avoid locations that are prone to flooding or where water tends to puddle.
-Prepare the soil before planting. If your soil is heavy and clay-like, add some organic matter such as compost or peat moss to help improve drainage. If your soil is sandy, you’ll need to add some organic matter to help it retain moisture.
-Be mindful of watering needs. Most easy-to-grow outdoor plants require regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Water in the morning so the leaves have time to dry before nighttime, when they are more susceptible to diseases.
With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a beautiful garden full of easy-to-grow outdoor plants!
Common problems with outdoor plants
There are a few common problems that can occur when growing easy-to-grow outdoor plants. These include:
1. Pests and diseases: Many easy-to-grow plants are susceptible to pests and diseases. These can include aphids, caterpillars, slugs, and snails. To prevent problems, it is important to regularly check your plants for signs of pests or disease. If you notice anything unusual, you can treat the problem with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
2. Weeds: Weeds can compete with your plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. To prevent weeds from taking over your garden, it is important to regularly weed it. You can pull weeds by hand or use a hoe to remove them.
3. Poor drainage: If your garden has poor drainage, this can cause problems for your plants. Waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and other problems. To improve drainage in your garden, you can add organic matter such as compost or peat moss. You can also make sure that your garden is not in an area that receives excessive runoff from rainfall or irrigation.
How to choose the right outdoor plant for your garden
There are a few things to consider when choosing an easy-to-grow outdoor plant for your garden. First, consider the climate in your area and choose a plant that will be able to withstand the temperature extremes. Second, think about the amount of sunlight that your garden gets and choose a plant that can tolerate the amount of sun or shade that it will receive. Finally, take into account the amount of water that your garden gets and select a plant that is drought-tolerant or can tolerate wet conditions. With these factors in mind, you should be able to find an easy-to-grow outdoor plant that will thrive in your garden.
Outdoor plants for specific garden conditions
There are a multitude of easy to grow outdoor plants that will perform beautifully in a variety of garden conditions. Whether you’re looking for low-maintenance options for shady areas, or want to add some color to a sun-drenched spot, there’s an easy-to-grow plant that will suit your needs.
Here are eight of the best easy-to-grow outdoor plants for specific garden conditions:
1. For Shade: Hostas are one of the best choices for adding color and interest to shady areas. These tough perennials are tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, and come in a variety colors and leaf shapes.
2. For Sun: Zinnias are annual flowers that thrive in full sun. They come in a wide range of colors, and are known for their long blooming period.
3. For Wet Soil: Astilbes are moisture lovers, and make an excellent addition to gardens with wet or boggy soil. These beautiful perennials come in a variety of colors, and produce airy plumes of flowers in summer.
4. For Dry Soil: Sedum is an incredibly drought tolerant plant, making it ideal for sunny spots with poor drainage or little water available. There are many different varieties available, all with succulent leaves and star shaped flowers.
5. For Containers: Mandevilla is a tropical plant that looks stunning when planted in containers. It produces beautiful trumpet shaped flowers throughout the summer, and can be grown as either an annual or a perennial depending on your climate.
6. For the Garden Edge: Ornamental grasses add texture and interest to any garden, and can be used as edging plants or planted en masse for a bold impact. There are many different varieties available, from short groundcovers to tall statement plants.
7. For Groundcover: Creeping Jenny is an excellent choice for covering large areas of ground quickly. It has bright yellow flowers which appear in spring, followed by glossy green leaves that remain attractive all season long.
8. Pachysandra is another good groundcover option, particularly for shady areas where other plants struggle to thrive.. It’s evergreen leaves provide year-round interest, and it spreads quickly without being invasive
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