Why Plant Height Matters in Your Garden

When designing a garden, one important thing to think about is how tall the plants will grow. The height of plants affects how your garden looks, how well the plants do, and how everything works together. Here’s why considering plant height is so important:

1. Looks Matter:

   • Different heights of plants make your garden interesting and beautiful. A good design usually has a mix of plants. For example, you might want 20% short plants (up to 12 inches), 40% medium plants (12 to 36 inches), and 40% tall plants (over 36 inches). This mix can make your garden more attractive.

2. Sunlight and Shade:

   • Tall plants can create shade for shorter plants, which might stop them from growing well. To help all your plants get enough sunlight, try putting the taller plants on the north or east side of the garden. This way, the shorter plants can enjoy the sunshine they need.

3. Healthy Plants:

   • Placing plants at the right height helps them compete less for water and nutrients. For example, in a vegetable garden, taller plants like tomatoes (which can grow up to 6 feet) should go in the back. This way, they won’t block the sunlight for shorter plants like lettuces (which only grow up to 12 inches).

4. Protection from Wind:

   • Tall plants can act like a shield against the wind for shorter plants. A well-planned garden can cut wind damage by 50%. This helps delicate plants survive and grow better.

In summary, thinking about plant height is super important for creating a garden that looks good, stays healthy, and produces well.