The thrill of being a first-time
homeowner can wane just a bit as you realize there’s no landlord to call for
help when things break down. You’re it! And in the real world few guys or gals
know how to fix all the things that can go wrong in a house, but everyone can
learn to do their own gardening. Taking care of your own landscape can save
about $2,500 per year. That’s money you can save to
pay a professional if major plumbing or electrical repairs are needed. Taking
care of your own yard immediately saves money, but there are also small steps
you can take to save even more cash:
Getting started Make friends with the experts at a locally owned nursery. Many garden novices waste money on plants that aren’t well suited for their site and the result is lots of money spent on fertilizers and amendments and water, and the plants may still die. A short conversation with an experienced nursery worker can save you time and money.
Don’t work so hard Letting your lawn grow can save money. Grass that’s kept at about 3 inches long requires less watering to stay green because the longer foliage provides shade for the roots. The root system is healthier, which also means fewer weeds and less money spent on herbicides. When it is time to water go low and slow. One deep drink is more effective and cost efficient than frequent, shallow watering.
Grow herbs Herbs such as rosemary, lavender and mint are some of the easiest plants to grow. They adapt to almost any site, are naturally disease- and pest-resistant, require little water, and when it’s time for dinner pluck a handful of fresh herbs for free.
Boil water Instead of using costly weed killers to zap unwanted grass and weed growth in walkways or between pavers, simply pour boiling water on them. The hot water kills shallow roots and naturally strips the protective waxy coating off the plant and leaves it vulnerable to desiccation. When you’re done, make a cup of tea from some of the herbs you’re growing.
Work with it You may want to put your own stamp on your new yard, but ripping out healthy plants can be a costly mistake. Live with your new yard through all four seasons and make note of what works and what doesn’t. The shrubs with the grey bark that you don’t like in the summer might actually be breathtaking against winter snow.
Getting started Make friends with the experts at a locally owned nursery. Many garden novices waste money on plants that aren’t well suited for their site and the result is lots of money spent on fertilizers and amendments and water, and the plants may still die. A short conversation with an experienced nursery worker can save you time and money.
Don’t work so hard Letting your lawn grow can save money. Grass that’s kept at about 3 inches long requires less watering to stay green because the longer foliage provides shade for the roots. The root system is healthier, which also means fewer weeds and less money spent on herbicides. When it is time to water go low and slow. One deep drink is more effective and cost efficient than frequent, shallow watering.
Grow herbs Herbs such as rosemary, lavender and mint are some of the easiest plants to grow. They adapt to almost any site, are naturally disease- and pest-resistant, require little water, and when it’s time for dinner pluck a handful of fresh herbs for free.
Boil water Instead of using costly weed killers to zap unwanted grass and weed growth in walkways or between pavers, simply pour boiling water on them. The hot water kills shallow roots and naturally strips the protective waxy coating off the plant and leaves it vulnerable to desiccation. When you’re done, make a cup of tea from some of the herbs you’re growing.
Work with it You may want to put your own stamp on your new yard, but ripping out healthy plants can be a costly mistake. Live with your new yard through all four seasons and make note of what works and what doesn’t. The shrubs with the grey bark that you don’t like in the summer might actually be breathtaking against winter snow.
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