There are some of us who feel totally overwhelmed when it comes to gardening.  If we’re not skilled in landscape design or if our thumbs are less than green, we might feel like we're in over our heads even before we pull the first weed. Even something simple like an herb garden can seem like complex science to someone who is inexperienced. Additionally, it might be that despite owning a home with a nice yard, we just don’t have the time to dedicate to gardening.

So with all that being said, is it possible to create and maintain a low-maintenance garden?  We think so!

5 Tips To Help You Create A Low Maintenance Garden

Organization

When it comes to creating a low maintenance garden, organization is key.  Having a space for all of your tools, garden supplies and other landscaping necessities is a great start, and you can find affordable sheds online that are easy to build and take up just a few feet of space.  If a shed is not an option, you can carve out a spot in your garage or basement with a potter's bench for essentials, and a wall-mounted tool organizer for long-handled rakes, hoes and shovels. 

You might also decide to purchase a greenhouse to shelter plants and flowers during cold harsh winters, and you can even use a greenhouse to cultivate tropical plants and succulents.  A greenhouse is also a great place to garden in the off season, extending the growing season of many plants and vegetables.

Another way to keep your garden well organized is with fencing.  If you don't have designated garden beds on your property already, you can create them using flower bed edging or even raised garden beds, which are perfect for small plots of flowers or vegetables, or a trepidatious gardener. 

Easy On The Grass

When we think of our gardens and the amount of effort it takes to maintain them, we often consider how much time is spent mowing the lawn and pulling weeds.  Fact is, you're not just mowing the lawn so your property looks good, you're also doing it to maintain the health of the grass itself.  Mow the lawn about once a week during the growing season (late spring until early fall here in the northeast) and keep your grass at about 3-3 1/2" high; anything shorter than that and you run the risk of weakening its root system.  If your grass is truly overgrown, mow it in stages, about 1/3rd at a time.  Cutting too much at once steals the grass's food-producing parts, which starves the lawn and could potentially turn it brown.

There's also consideration for using artificial turf in some areas of your property, like around a playset or where your children tear it up with cleats and other sports equipment.  If you have larger structures like a trampoline or an above-ground pool sitting directly on the lawn (0r inhibiting sunlight), using artificial turf is a great alternative.

Avoid High Maintenance Water Features

We love the idea of adding a water feature to the yard; we've mentioned it quite a few times here on the blog.  But if you're truly going for low maintenance, it's best to avoid complicated water features, like ponds or waterfalls.  However, we do suggest adding something simple such as a bird bath or freestanding water fountain (find one that can be stored away during winter).  These water features add ambience and character to your property with very little maintenance.

Pave A Pathway
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Hire A Gardener

Adding a pathway to your yard shouldn't take any more than a weekend to create and can be built from a variety of materials.  Consider a pathway made out of weather-resistant cedar, mulch, gravel, pebbles or stone; or even well-placed stepping stones.  Of course, creating a pathway with some materials might be more time consuming than others, but no less complicated, really.  Check out these affordable, casual garden path ideas from the familyhandyman.com.
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If you can afford it, we say go for it!  A good gardener is worth his weight in gold and to be honest, a seasonal maintenance contract with a reputable landscaping firm won't break the bank.  Of course, the price you'll pay will be determined by the size of your property and number of flower beds, trees, shrubs and plants they'll be caring for, as well as additional services such as mowing, trimming and edging.  Get referrals from friends and family, and check their reviews online before calling to get an estimate.

Need a reason for why you should actually start a garden?  How about health, mental and financial benefits?

Infographic courtesy of GroEdibles

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With these tips in mind, we hope you’ll consider creating your very own low maintenance garden and maybe in time, even become an avid gardener who actually enjoys it!

Shop For Your Low Maintenance Garden:
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8 Piece Wall Mounted Tool Organizer

Hybrid Hobby Greenhouse

Cedar Freestanding Bench

Rubbermaid Storage Shed, 5x2

3 Tier Waterfall Fountain with LED Light

8' Cedar Garden Pathway

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