Low-Maintenance Gardening

Master gardener and author Joe Lamp'l, host of "GardenSMART"on PBS, has "10 ways to minimize your time while creating a beautiful, lower-maintenance yard and garden."

Of them, I think mulching, mowing high and choosing the right plants (and where to plant them) are the most effective time-savers. Joe says a 3-inch layer of mulch works wonders in reducing watering time. He of course advocates using compost to assist in soil quality and says to make sure grass clippings comprise part of your compost (instead of spending the time bagging and discarding).

Mowing high has several benefits for a better-looking and healthier lawn: weeds are shaded and choked out naturally (no weeding for you!); roots grow deeper for a "more drought-tolerant lawn." He says to go native too -- with your choice of plants and trees, that is.

The plants and trees you see growing naturally are the most ideally suited for their local region. The only care they get is when Mother Nature decides to provide irrigation. Native plants are the ultimate in low-maintenance because, once established, they require no significant efforts on our part to keep them growing strong.

For more suggestions on low-maintenance gardneing, read the full article by Joe Lamp'l here.

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