Top 25 Tips for Gardeners New and Old

These twenty-five tips are really intended for beginners, but old hands will also benefit from a reminder of the best ways to achieve success. Some of the advice may seem obvious to the experienced gardener, but then you may find one tip that reminds you of a technique that you had forgotten. I found this list of tips on the Better Homes and Gardens website. Well worth a read.

These gardening tips are perfect for new gardeners looking to get started.
1. Know your USDA Hardiness Zone. Use it as a guide so you don’t plant trees, shrubs, and perennials that won’t survive conditions in your area. You’ll also get a better idea of?when to plant vegetables and fruits in your area.
2.?Not sure when to prune? Prune spring-flowering shrubs, such as lilacs, and large-flower climbing roses immediately after the blooms fade. They set their flower buds in autumn on last year’s growth. If you prune them in fall or winter, you remove next spring’s flower buds.
3. Apply only composted, rotted manure that has cured for at least six months to your soil. Fresh manure is too high in nitrogen and can “burn” plants; it may also contain pathogens or parasites. Manure from pigs, dogs, and cats should never be used in gardens or compost piles because they may contain parasites that can infect humans.
4. Perennials generally need three years to achieve mature growth. Remember the adage that they “sleep, creep, and leap” over the three-year period.
5. Learn how long your growing season is?your last frost in spring and first frost in fall?so you can start some plants inside or avoid growing them.

See more at Better Homes and Gardens