Benedict T Palen Jr - Garden Designing Ideas That Will Be Healthy For Plants

It is noteworthy that an ornamental garden appears to be harmoniously arranged and, at the same time, fosters the development of plants. There are several factors that affect plant health in the garden, according to Benedict T Palen Jr. This includes light, water, soil and disease/pests. When designing the layout of your garden, it is important to take heed of the above factors so as to foster the growth of the plants.

Providing Adequate Sunlight

Plants require sunlight to enable them to synthesize energy and perform other necessary activities through photosynthesis. When planning your garden beds and borders, make sure you place them in areas with a sun exposure of 6-8 hours per day. Many of the plants that are used for food preparation or consumption, such as vegetables, herbs, and fruits, require not less than 6 hours of direct sunlight. Think where in your yard the sun is during different times of the day and place plants according to it. If sunlight is not enough, one can use artificial sources such as grow lights to provide adequate lighting for the plant's growth, according to Benedict T Palen Jr.

Efficient Irrigation Techniques

Most of the plant health factors rely on the irrigation system that you put in place. Drip irrigation, micro sprayer, and soaker hose are some of the best systems that help in supplying water directly to the roots of the plant without wastage. On the other hand, overhead sprinklers cause fungal diseases because they wet the stems. To avoid overwatering, install moisture sensors. It is also important to group plants with similar water requirements for the sake of organizing irrigation. 

Soil Quality and Drainage

Soil provides plants with nutrients, air, and anchorage. To prepare the soil ahead of planting, incorporate compost or other nutrient-rich organic matter into the ground. Fungal root diseases are common in poorly drained soils – if your soil is heavy clay, loosen it up with compost or sand to allow good drainage. The addition of clay to clay soil will enhance water retention for a garden that is prone to dryness by incorporating either peat or coir. Verify the pH level in your soil and adjust it if necessary, depending on the crops you want to cultivate.

Pest Deterrence

Some pests, such as beetles, aphids, and caterpillars, can significantly destroy the garden if left uncontrolled. Here are some tips to help you make your garden design in a way that will drive away pests without the need to use chemical pesticides. Introduce crackers such as basil, thyme, or garlic since these are effective repellents to insect pests. Spray the plants with natural insecticides if there are any pests, such as neem oil or diatomaceous earth. Suspend bird feeders or insect hotels to encourage beneficial predators such as birds, ladybugs, lacewings, etc., for biological pest control.

Conclusion

It is a well-understood fact that every garden is built from the ground up. When planning for the garden, it is important to take into consideration the conditions, including the nature of the soil, the amount of sunlight it receives, and the irrigation and pest control programs, among others, so as to ensure that the plants are put in an environment that they will grow well in. Use the design ideas by Benedict T Palen Jr. outlined above, and you will be sure to get better results in the colors and productivity of plants in your garden.