Which plants are easy to grow? - Low-maintenance GARDENS

MAKE GARDENING A BREEZE WITH CHARLIE ALBONE'S EXPERT TIPS

- CHARLIE ALBONE

When designing a garden, I often get asked for low-maintenance plants. As a gardener this makes me shudder, as I love being out tinkering with my greenery whenever possible. Saying that, adding low-maintenance plants to your garden will help save time and allow you to concentrate on higher maintenance areas, such as the vegie patch.

GETTING STARTED

Before selecting plants it's vital you get the soil preparation right. Poor soils are at the forefront of many garden problems. Not only can it cause deficiencies in plants, it also opens them up to attack from pests. Start by improving the soil with compost and organic matter, digging it through so it's mixed well.

A few handfuls of blood and bone into the mix can help to boost the nutrient content of the soil as well. This process also frees up the soil, helping your new plants to establish quickly. I would also apply a soil wetting agent, such as Ezi-Wet, to ensure the water gets into the ground.