When you’re planning your garden, there are some important things to think about. You want your plants to grow well and look nice together. The way a plant grows—how big it gets and its shape—can really affect how your garden will look. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Knowing how big your plants will get is super important. It helps you avoid planting them too close together. For example, some shrubs can grow anywhere from 3 to 10 feet tall and wide. If you plant them too near each other, they might fight for water and nutrients. This can make them unhealthy and more likely to get pests or diseases. Check how far apart they should be planted. If one plant needs to be 24 inches apart and you place them only 18 inches apart, you could be increasing the competition by 25%.
Plants can be sorted into different growth habits:
Upright Growth: Some plants, like hollyhocks and delphiniums, grow tall. These should go toward the back of a garden bed. They can grow to be 5 to 10 feet tall.
Spreading Growth: Ground covers, like creeping thyme or ajuga, spread out wide. They can cover a space of up to 3 feet across. These are great for filling in areas or lining borders in your garden.
Weeping or Cascading: Some plants, like weeping willows, grow downwards. They look beautiful near water or can be the stand-out plant in your yard.
How plants get along with each other is important for a healthy garden. Taller plants, like tomatoes (which can grow up to 6 feet), can block the sunlight from smaller plants. To avoid this, you should plant low-growing vegetables, like lettuce, near taller ones. This way, all plants get enough sunlight to grow well.
Plants grow at different speeds, and you need to plan for this. Fast-growing plants, like sunflowers, can be ready to bloom in about 70 days. On the other hand, some perennials, like peonies, can take up to 3 years to fully grow. Mixing plants that grow at different rates will keep your garden looking lively throughout the seasons.
Think about how much care your plants will need. Some plants grow quickly and may need a lot of trimming. For example, ornamental grasses can reach heights of 10 to 15 feet and will probably need to be cut back each fall. Smaller plants or compact varieties might not need as much attention.
By thinking about plant size and their growth habits, you can create a garden that looks great and is easy to take care of. With proper planning, you can make a beautiful space where your plants thrive and bring joy all year long.
When you’re planning your garden, there are some important things to think about. You want your plants to grow well and look nice together. The way a plant grows—how big it gets and its shape—can really affect how your garden will look. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Knowing how big your plants will get is super important. It helps you avoid planting them too close together. For example, some shrubs can grow anywhere from 3 to 10 feet tall and wide. If you plant them too near each other, they might fight for water and nutrients. This can make them unhealthy and more likely to get pests or diseases. Check how far apart they should be planted. If one plant needs to be 24 inches apart and you place them only 18 inches apart, you could be increasing the competition by 25%.
Plants can be sorted into different growth habits:
Upright Growth: Some plants, like hollyhocks and delphiniums, grow tall. These should go toward the back of a garden bed. They can grow to be 5 to 10 feet tall.
Spreading Growth: Ground covers, like creeping thyme or ajuga, spread out wide. They can cover a space of up to 3 feet across. These are great for filling in areas or lining borders in your garden.
Weeping or Cascading: Some plants, like weeping willows, grow downwards. They look beautiful near water or can be the stand-out plant in your yard.
How plants get along with each other is important for a healthy garden. Taller plants, like tomatoes (which can grow up to 6 feet), can block the sunlight from smaller plants. To avoid this, you should plant low-growing vegetables, like lettuce, near taller ones. This way, all plants get enough sunlight to grow well.
Plants grow at different speeds, and you need to plan for this. Fast-growing plants, like sunflowers, can be ready to bloom in about 70 days. On the other hand, some perennials, like peonies, can take up to 3 years to fully grow. Mixing plants that grow at different rates will keep your garden looking lively throughout the seasons.
Think about how much care your plants will need. Some plants grow quickly and may need a lot of trimming. For example, ornamental grasses can reach heights of 10 to 15 feet and will probably need to be cut back each fall. Smaller plants or compact varieties might not need as much attention.
By thinking about plant size and their growth habits, you can create a garden that looks great and is easy to take care of. With proper planning, you can make a beautiful space where your plants thrive and bring joy all year long.