Put your garden on autopilot and take a bake hour each week

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Some people love gardens but hate gardening, and we totally get that. We know some plant lovers who obsess over weeding, feeding and watering, and others who know nothing about pest control and are unable to clean dirt from under their fingernails. Here’s our cheat sheet for you “wake me up when it’s time to harvest” folks. Here are the secrets to getting a lush, green patch without ruining your hump.

1. Install a water timer.

Make sure to water your lawn or garden by using a Hose timerA gadget that attaches to your hose bib. It works the same way smart timers work indoors: you program it to turn off and on at preset times; Many models also have a rain delay setting that allows you to skip watering when the weather is bad. These gadgets start at around $30, but more expensive models allow you to control settings through an app on your smartphone.

2. Mix moisture-retaining amendments into your soil.

For plants that need regular watering, add a moisture-retaining amendment Vermiculite or Perlite on the ground before you plant seeds and seedlings. This simple step will help tender plants go longer between waterings without drying out in the heat.

3. Set up a drip irrigation system.

There are a few different types Drip irrigation systemsIncluding sprinklers and misters, but for those most useful for watering a large area of ​​soil (or a set of raised beds) is the type with thin, perforated tubes that you can place on top of your raised bed soil. Water slowly drains through the pores to provide adequate moisture to your plants. Connect a drip irrigation system like Raindrip Drip Watering Vegetable Garden Kit With a hose timer, and your watering routine will do its thing.

4. Spread some mulch.

Mulching garden beds Retains moisture and prevents weed growth, and will let you spend less time watering and weeding and more time relaxing. buy Mulch bags At a local home center or big-box store, pick up some from your municipality or, for larger yards or gardens, order Mulch by the yard From the center of the garden.

5. Choose “self-cleaning” flower varieties.

You’ve heard of self-cleaning ovens, but self-cleaning plants? These varieties boast flowers that fade and fall naturally, meaning that withered flowers do not need to be deadheaded or pruned. Varieties of Geranium, BegoniaColumbine and baptism There are just a few examples of flowers that will always look fresh without you having to get out your pruning shears.

6. “Plant” some watering globes.

Potted plants dry out faster than in-ground plants, making daily watering a fact of life for those with patio plants. Watering globes, like this one Bestie self-watering globesMay relieve you of your watering duties. These clever gadgets slowly deliver water to container plants for up to 2 weeks. Thrifty gardeners can make their own Automatic plant waterers By repurposing a soda or wine bottle.

7. Pull out the weed barrier.

By laying down sheets of newspaper or Landscape fabric Before mulching your garden, you can drastically reduce the number of weeds growing out of your beds. The newspaper will eventually break down into the soil, so you’ll need to replace it as it decomposes to keep weeds at bay. Fabric is a longer-lasting, though more expensive, option.

8. Choose drought-tolerant plants.

If you want to be able to overlook your landscaping during busy summer days, choose your plants carefully. Check each plant’s water needs before you buy so you’re establishing a garden you can sustain. Drought-tolerant plant They don’t really need much watering once they’re in the ground, so they’re easy and cheap to maintain in the long run. Some of our favorite options include: Black-eyed SusanHollyhock and Sedum.

9. Choose slow growing shrubs.

A secret for you to keep Front yard shrubs Looking tidy without constant attention: Slow-growing shrubs require less frequent mowing Pruning than fast growing varieties. Not only are these shrubs less work to maintain, but you can enjoy them for years without worrying that they will outgrow your garden.

All you need to do is take care of your lawn and garden

Keeping your grass green and your plants thriving doesn’t just take a green thumb—it starts with the right tools and supplies.