Hacks for time-poor gardeners

February 2023

Gardening sometimes becomes a time consuming task. It doesn't have to be that way though! There are plenty of tips and tricks for augmenting your efforts and completing your projects on time.

In this article, I will outline 10 hacks specifically tailored to help time-poor gardeners get the most out of their day in the garden.

1. Plant low-maintenance plants

If you’re a time-poor gardener, you need to make sure that the plants you choose for your garden are low maintenance. Low-maintenance plants require less attention and care, meaning they’ll take up less of your precious time.

When choosing low-maintenance plants, look for those that are native to your area, as they will be better adapted to local conditions and require less care.

Choose plants that require minimal care and maintenance, such as succulents, cacti, and other drought-tolerant varieties. These types of plants are perfect for time-poor gardeners who don’t have the time to water and tend to their gardens regularly.

Plant low-maintenance plants

2. Use mulch

Mulch is a great way for time-poor gardeners to save time and energy. Mulch helps to reduce the amount of weeding that needs to be done, as it blocks out light and prevents weed seeds from germinating. It also helps to retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering. Additionally, mulch can help to improve soil fertility by adding organic matter to the soil.

3. Invest in a drip irrigation system

Drip irrigation systems are an excellent way for time-poor gardeners to save time and energy when it comes to watering their gardens. Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the roots of plants, ensuring that they get the exact amount of water they need without wasting any. This means you don’t have to

Mulch is a great way to help conserve moisture in the soil and reduce weeds. It also helps to keep the soil temperature consistent, which is beneficial for plants that require a certain level of warmth.

4. Utilize companion planting

Companion planting is a great way for time-poor gardeners to save time and energy in the garden. Companion planting involves planting different types of plants together that have beneficial relationships with each other. For example, some plants can help to repel pests from other plants, while others can help to improve soil fertility or provide shade for more delicate plants. This means that you don’t have to spend time and energy on pest control or fertilizing your plants.

5. Use raised beds

Raised beds are a great way for time-poor gardeners to save time and energy in the garden. Raised beds allow you to create a more efficient growing environment, as they provide better drainage and aeration than traditional gardens. Additionally, raised beds can help to reduce the amount of weeding that needs to be done, as they are easier to keep weed-free.

6. Utilize vertical gardening

Vertical gardening is a great way for time-poor gardeners to save time and energy in the garden. Vertical gardens allow you to grow more plants in a smaller space, as they take up less room than traditional gardens. Additionally, vertical gardens are easier to maintain, as they require less weeding and watering than traditional gardens.

vertical gardening

7. Plant perennials

Perennials are a great choice for time-poor gardeners, as they require minimal care and maintenance. Perennials come back year after year, so you don’t have to worry about replanting them each season. Additionally, perennials can help to reduce the amount of weeding that needs to be done, as they tend to crowd out weeds.

8. Utilize container gardening

Container gardening is a great way for time-poor gardeners to save time and energy in the garden. Container gardens are easier to maintain than traditional gardens, as they require less weeding and watering. Additionally, container gardens can be moved around easily, allowing you to take advantage of the best light and soil conditions for your plants.

9. Plant native species

Native species are a great choice for time-poor gardeners, as they require minimal care and maintenance. Native plants are adapted to the local climate, so they don’t need as much water or fertilizer as other plants. Additionally, native plants can help to reduce the amount of weeding that needs to be done, as they tend to crowd out weeds.

10. Use a timer

Timers are a great way to make sure your plants get the right amount of water at the right time. You can set them up to turn on and off at certain times of the day, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to water your plants.