Are you somewhat of a lazy gardener?
Gardeners are generally not lazy. In fact, the vast majority of gardeners love nothing better than to get out in the fresh air and potter around, attending to their plants, flowers, vegetables, and herbs. However, for most people, it is something that has to come after a long list of other things: work, housework, family commitments, and so on. In this article, we will look at how you can be a lazy gardener if you want to be – doing the bare minimum for maximum reward.
Tips on How to Be a Lazy Gardener (but still succeed)
1 – Deadhead the flowers
Okay, so this one does involve some work, but this relatively straightforward task can be one of the most important things that you do for your garden if you want to see an immediate difference in the way it looks.
Deadheading spent blooms keeps flowers looking fresh and tidy, and will keep them blooming for longer.
If you are growing flowers, maybe consider cutting some and popping them in a vase to be displayed in your house, getting maximum use out of them. If you do miss a few blooms before they go back to seed, do not worry. Scatter their seeds around your garden and let them self seed. Some flower varieties, such as poppies and other wildflowers are great for doing this and are very low maintenance.
2 – Introduce plants that encourage natural predators
One of the biggest time-suckers in the garden is the removal of unwanted pests. To keep them under control, introduce plants that encourage and attract natural predators. For example, plants that attract ladybirds. These then keep aphids under control. This, in turn, allows bees to pollinate your plants, helping them to thrive and giving you a great looking garden.
3 – Make the most of the tools available to you
There is nothing wrong with taking shortcuts and making the most of the tools available to you. Whether it is a ride-on lawnmower or a fertilizer spreader, grab it with both hands (literally!) and use it. There is no point in being a martyr and doing it all the long way when there are tools to help make it easier and faster.
4 – Plant perennial vegetables
Fancy growing yourself vegetables but can’t be bothered or do not have the time to plant them again every year? Well, there is a way around that – plant some perennial vegetables. These will come back year after year by themselves, making them pretty low maintenance. Such vegetables include rhubarb, asparagus, and hipster favourite, kale.
5 – Used raised beds for growing vegetables
If you do not fancy digging into the ground or have mobility problems stopping you from bending over and digging, opt for raised beds for your vegetables. They are a great back and time saver!
6 – Consider companion planting
Some plants work really well if they are grown next to each other and benefit each other. This is called companion planting. Lavender next to leek and carrots, for example, is a great combination. The lavender is highly scented so deters the aphids from attacking them.
7 – Lay artificial grass
For the ultimate in low maintenance gardening, opt for artificial grass. Sure, it will not attract the wildlife in quite the same way that natural grass will, but it does not need mowing or watering and will never look patchy and yellow. You may need to give it a sweep or a vacuum once in a while, though!
8 – Put in some decking
While decking obviously involves time and expense when being put down, once it is in place it needs very little maintenance – a coat of paint or varnish every couple of years and the occasional sweep but it can turn a neglected or uneven part of the garden into a fabulous looking spot. Add a couple of bits of furniture, some cozy cushions and throws, cute bunting and dot some lanterns and fairy lights around and you will have a space that looks great and needs very little upkeep.
9 – Embrace the mess
If you really can’t be bothered, leave it to do its own thing and claim it as a ‘wildlife sanctuary’. Overgrown grass with wildflowers can be a meadow, piles of dead leaves and general garden debris can be a sanctuary for all sorts of fabulous insects and animals such as hedgehogs. It is the perfect excuse to be lazy!
The Bottom Line on Succeeding as a Lazy Gardener
As you can see, you can spend very little time and effort if you so wish and still have a great looking garden. What are your tips for cutting a few corners and still having a fabulous outdoor space?