Vaughan Healthy Yards

The first step in gardening is determining the quality of your soil:

• Poor soil is dense, dry and difficult to get a shovel through. 

• Good soil should be light and fluffy, darker in colour and easily allow water to drain. Worms and other life forms should also be visible.

Even if your soil doesn’t look ideal, there are some simple steps you can take to improve it:

• Add some compost to help loosen the soil and allow plant roots to move more freely. The added nutrients will also help improve plant growth and support beneficial life forms, such as arthropods, fungi, insects, springtails and worms. 

• Add sand for proper water drainage or peat moss to help the soil hold water better.

For your plants to thrive, it all starts with how you plant them:

• Pick the perfect spot. Does it need sun or shade? Reference the plant tag for each plant’s requirements.

• Prepare the soil. Loosen it with a shovel or rake to improve drainage and make room for roots to grow.

• Lay out plants before you dig. Avoid overcrowding and consider the plant’s sunlight and water needs.

• Dig a hole approximately the size of the pot, and not too deep.

• Take the plant out of the pot, gently loosen the roots and place it in the hole so it sits at or just above soil level. Fill the hole to anchor the plant.

• Water daily for the first week to help new plants establish roots. Keep the soil moist, not soggy. After the first week, check the plant tag for watering needs.

• Keep an eye on your plants for signs of stress, pests and diseases. 

While tending to your garden, it is important to water properly for healthy growth – here’s how:

• Determine if your plant needs water. If your plant is wilting or has dry soil, it likely needs water! You can check the soil’s moisture by sticking your finger in one to two inches. If it’s dry, you’re safe to water. If there is moisture, wait to avoid overwatering.

• For in-ground plants, water deeply and infrequently – about twice a week. Water early or late in the day to avoid losing moisture to evaporation. Don’t forget – rainy days count toward your watering.

• For potted plants, add water slowly until it seeps out of the drainage hole and repeat. Don’t water again until the soil is dry. Avoid wetting leaves to prevent burning and diseases in some plant species.

Help your garden look its best by following these simple steps:

• Remove weeds to ensure your plants receive enough water and nutrients. Remove as much of the weed’s roots as possible to prevent regrowth and overcrowding.

• Check for dead, diseased or dangerous plants, and remove deadheads from spent flowers.

• Add a layer of woodchips or create a garden edge to help maintain moisture and prevent encroachment by weeds and grass.

• Help your plants stay healthy by fertilizing as recommended for each plant type and to avoid over-fertilizing.

Perennials survive the winter and come back yearly, making them great seasonal fixtures for your garden. Here’s how to take care of them year round:

• Promote new blooms by removing dead flowers. This can help your plant conserve energy and focus on producing fresh growth.

• Occasionally divide perennials into smaller sections to keep them healthy and stimulate new growth.

Perennials can survive the winter with these simple steps:

• Insulate your garden with a layer of mulch to protect plants from harsh elements.

• Mark your perennials to avoid any accidental damage in the off-season.

• For perennials in containers, move them to a cold but sheltered spot.

• Avoid fertilizing too close to winter.

Shrubs require special care to maintain their form and function in your garden. Here’s what you need to know to take care of them:

• Shrubs need to be watered deeper than annuals and other perennials due to their large root systems. Luckily, they need fewer waterings per week.

• Add mulch to the base of your shrubs to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Shrubs only need light pruning throughout the growing season. Heavier pruning should be done in early spring or late fall to thin out crowded areas and cut back overgrowth.

• Protect the branches of your shrubs during the winter by wrapping them in burlap. Heavy snow can damage branches, and wind can dry out branches.