Whether you’ve already chosen all the outdoor plants for your garden or you’re wondering which plants will fit best in your garden renovation, we’ve got you covered with our top 5 tips on maintaining your outdoor garden and plants.
1: Choose the Right Plants For Your Climate
First things first, you need to ensure that your outdoor plants and flower selection are compatible with the climate and environmental conditions in which they are being grown. Outdoor plants thrive in a variety of climates, depending on the plant species. You should also keep in mind:
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Temperature climates
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Arid climates
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Moderate temperatures
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Rainfall
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Humidity
A great way to ensure that your garden is going to thrive is by considering native species for your specific area, while also understanding which plants are best suited for your microclimate and soil conditions. The RHS recommends using the conditions of your garden to your advantage.
When it comes to the UK, we have many climates to consider - we have a maritime climate, which means that it is generally mild with cool summers and mild winters. Many large outdoor plants specifically thrive in the UK climate, including:
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Hydrangeas
Frequently Asked Questions: How do I pot outdoor plants?
We often get asked how to pot outdoor plants, and our easy guide helps you to make the best of your outdoor space.
1. Choose the right container
Always ensure that you are choosing a container that has drainage holes to prevent root rot and waterlogging. A top tip for larger pots is to fill the bottom with light materials such as broken pots or plastic to reduce the amount of potting mix that is needed.
2. Prepare the potting mix
Always make sure that you are using the best quality, well-draining potting mix that has been specifically formulated for containers.
3. Plant!
Gently remove the plant from its nursery pot, loosen the roots, and place the plant in the container, ensuring that the top of the root ball is at the correct level. Lastly, fill the container with potting mix and eliminate air pockets.
4. Water!
Ensure that you have watered your newly potted plant thoroughly until the water drains from the bottom.
How to maintain your outside space.
2: Water Wisely and Efficiently
Depending on the choices you make for your outdoor plants, each has its preference when it comes to how much water they need and when they should be watered.
We would recommend watering your plants in the early morning or late afternoon - this is due to the cooler temperatures and minimises the level of water evaporation, it also gives the plant enough time to absorb the water it needs.
Fruiting and tropical plants require the most watering as they are either producing crops, or they are used to the higher humidity levels and rainfall.
How often should I water my garden?
There isn’t a specific answer to this question, as we know that all plants require different care. However, we would generally say that outdoor plants that are established should be watered once to twice a week, while newly potted plants may need daily watering.
How to maintain your outdoor garden.
3: Ensure Proper Sunlight Exposure
Before you plant your outdoor plants or choose your options, you should assess the light conditions in your garden and choose plants that match those conditions. This is a good time for you to adjust the placement of your plants to ensure that all of your plants are getting sufficient sunlight exposure.
There is a selection of plants that need the most sunlight and full sun, such as:
Which outdoor plants need shade?
If you have an area that has limited sunlight, we would recommend planting:
4: Feed Your Plants the Right Nutrients
As we now know, each plant has its specific needs and conditions, and the same can be said for adding nutrients to soils. To ensure your plants are getting enough nutrients, you can incorporate organic matter like compost into the soil, use slow-release granules, or apply liquid fertilisers.
Outdoor plants such as the following need the most nutrients:
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Fruiting plants
Frequently asked questions: How often should I feed my outdoor plants?
We often get asked how often you should feed your outdoor plants, and our easy guide helps you to keep your plants looking their best.
5: Prune & Monitor for Garden Pests Regularly
Pruning and pest control are the best way to keep your outdoor plants and garden healthy and thriving. Maintaining outdoor plants encourages growth and their appearance.
How do I prune my outdoor plants?
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Removing dead, diseased, or damaged parts of outdoor plants
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Cut above the bud
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Rejuvenating older shrubs
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Deadhead spent flowers
Frequently asked question: What month is best to cut back plants?
The best time of the year to cut back plants and prune is dependent on the plant. For example:
Early spring
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Trim back semi-woody perennials such as the Butterfly Bush and Russian Sage
Early Summer
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After spring-blooming plants have flowered, you can trim them back.
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For spring bulbs, wait until the foliage has yellowed.
Summer:
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Deadhead annuals and flowering perennials - prune back some of the branches to encourage full growth.
Last summer through to autumn:
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Continue with deadheading annuals and perennials as needed. Once plants are spent in fall, remove the annuals entirely and trim back each perennial to about 3 inches above ground.
Time To Start Gardening
Now that you know our top tips on maintaining your outdoor plants and garden, you can go shopping! Start by looking at our garden offerings, especially our comprehensive outdoor plants collection.