If you have a tiny yard and would like a simple but well-maintained garden, you only need two things -- determination and know-how. Here are some tips on how to keep your garden by the yard looking spruced up and glamorous.

  1. Deadheading
    Keep your border free from wilted flowers and dried leaves. Deadheading or removing dead flower heads will encourage the plants to produce more blooms for longer. Many perennials such as geraniums and dahlias, and some annuals benefit from having spent blooms removed.
  2. Pinch out tops
    Certain plants -- especially foliage plants like Coleus -- respond with a spurt of growth when their tops are pinched out. Pinching out makes the plant much bushier and so more blooms are produced. Fuchsias are prone to becoming leggy unless they are pinched out.
  3. Fertilize lightly
    A minimal amount of fertilizer will further boost the growth of your vegetation. If you water your yard frequently, you have to fertilize it more regularly because of nutrient depletion. Applying an application of liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks is sometimes more beneficial than granules as it is more readily absorbed by the leaves. Container plants will be considerably healthier with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer applied regularly.
  4. Weed out
    This is one of the best ways to preserve the beauty of your garden. Remember, weeds compete with your plants for both nutrients and moisture. If the weeds are not close to seeding, leave them on the bed to rot down for mulch. If you must use a weedicide, try and get a wick applicator, rather than a spray. This will protect you plants from spray-drift.
  5. Water them well
    One good tip when it comes to watering your garden is to give it a thorough soaking once a week, making sure there is no run-off to cause erosion. Deep watering will encourage the growth of deeper roots that will be able to withstand dry spells weatherwise.
  6. Say no to chemicals
    Chemicals are dangerous to humans and often kill the natural predators of the pest in your garden, so avoid them if possible. There are many organic alternatives that work almost as well.

With these simple tips, your garden will soon be the envy of your neighbors.

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