Get Your Garden & Backyard Ready: Tips for Outdoor Living Spaces
As you leave winter behind and wait for summer, it's time to focus on your home's outdoor living spaces. These spaces often provide the backdrop for great moments with family and friends or peaceful solo time. Close to 80% of Americans engage in gardening activities.
Starting your garden and backyard preparations early is important as they involve several steps, planning, and perhaps the help of a professional. By addressing any issues early on, homeowners can avoid potential setbacks and ensure their outdoor living spaces are ready for enjoyment.
Maintaining an outdoor area can significantly boost your home’s value, making it more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell. Investing in landscaping can boost your home's resale value by 15 to 20% on average.
There are a few key steps to get your garden and backyard ready for the upcoming spring and summer seasons.
Cleaning your garden
Keeping your outdoor living spaces clean and tidy can make them look much nicer. It also helps your plants and flowers stay healthy. Garden hygiene means protecting your plants and preventing insects and pests from damaging them.
Clearing debris and fallen leaves
The leaves and debris that build up can block the healthy growth of your plants. This can provide hiding spots for pests and create conditions for mold and diseases to grow. Use a rake or leaf blower to collect the leaves and debris into piles, checking in corners and under shrubs where leaves often collect. Once you've gathered it all, you can compost the debris, use it as mulch for your garden beds, or dispose of it in yard waste bags.
Watch for other debris, such as twigs, branches, or discarded plant material. Removing these items reduces the risk of tripping hazards and prevents potential damage to your lawn mower or other garden equipment. Regularly clearing debris and fallen leaves from your garden ensures that your plants can access sunlight, air, and water, promoting growth and vitality throughout the growing season.
Pruning dead branches and plants
Dead or sick branches can host pests and diseases that can spread to healthy plants. Look for branches that appear brown, brittle, or dull compared to surrounding leaves. These are likely dead or dying and should be pruned to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy.
When pruning dead branches, use sharp pruners to make clean cuts right above a healthy bud or side branch. Avoid leaving stubs or making jagged cuts, as these can let in pests and diseases. Be mindful of the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk, also known as the branch collar, and make your cut just outside this region to help the plant heal properly. Take time to remove any dead or used-up plants from your garden beds. This reduces the risk of disease and makes room for new growth.
Weeding flower beds and vegetable patches
Weeds are the unwanted guests in any garden, competing with your prized plants for essential nutrients, water, and sunlight. Inspect your garden beds for any signs of weeds. Common types include dandelions, crabgrass, chickweed, and purslane. Weeds often grow in bare soil or areas with poor plant coverage, so pay close attention to these spots.
Use a hand trowel, garden fork, or hoe to loosen the soil around the base of the weed, being careful not to disturb the roots of nearby plants. Firmly grasp the weed at its base and pull it upward, ensuring you remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth. You may need specialized tools like a dandelion digger or weed puller for larger or more stubborn weeds. These tools make removing weeds with deep taproots or extensive root systems easier, reducing the effort required.
Preventing future weed growth is relatively easy - just apply a layer of organic mulch to your garden beds. Mulch does more than just block sunlight to suppress weeds - it also helps retain moisture in the soil and regulates temperature. Over time, the mulch breaks down, adding beneficial organic matter and nutrients to nourish your plants.
Cleaning garden tools and equipment
After each use, clean your gardening tools to remove dirt, debris, and potential pathogens. Sanitize tools with a mix of soap and water or disinfectant, especially if they've come into contact with diseased plants. Store tools in a dry, protected area to prevent rust and corrosion.
Hardscape and landscape features
Your garden and backyard's hardscape and landscape features create an inviting outdoor environment. This is also where you can get a return on your investment and add value to your home when selling it. However, you should spend, at most, 10-20% of your home's value on these features.
Inspecting pathways, driveways, and patios
Check your outdoor surfaces, pathways, driveways, and patios for cracks, uneven spots, or other damage before they worsen. Cracks are usually formed due to changes in temperature, soil movement, or water getting in. Fixing them quickly can prevent further issues. Use a flashlight to look for signs of water seeping in or soil erosion under the surface. Water can make cracks worse and lead to structural problems over time. Watch for other issues like loose pavers, sunken areas, or crumbling edges. These can be safety hazards for people and vehicles.
During your inspection, make note of any cracks or damage along with their location and severity. Minor cracks may only need surface-level fixes like filling with concrete patches or crack filler. But more severe damage could require professional help, especially if it affects the structure's integrity. Focus on repairing the worst problems first.
Cleaning and repairing garden structures
Garden features like arbors, fences, and trellises add charm and define boundaries while supporting climbing plants. Carefully examine these structures for signs of wear, rot, or damage, paying close attention to joints and connections.
Clean the garden structures to remove dirt, mildew, and other debris that build up over time. Use a mild detergent and water, or a pressure washer for larger structures, but be careful not to damage delicate surfaces. Fix any damaged or weakened areas right away to prevent further issues. Replace rotted or broken wood parts, tighten loose fasteners, and apply fresh paint or sealant to protect against the weather.
Enhancing outdoor spaces with furniture or decor
Backyards and gardens are excellent spaces for relaxation and entertainment. To make these areas more comfortable for you, your guests, and your family, you can decorate them with furniture, decor, and accessories that reflect your style and complement your outdoor living spaces.
Choose durable and weather-resistant materials as your outdoor furniture will be exposed to elements like sun, wind, and rain. Alternatively, you can use furniture covers to protect them from the weather. Comfortable seating options like lounge chairs, sofas, and dining sets can encourage outdoor enjoyment. Accessorize your outdoor living spaces with decorative elements like throw pillows, outdoor rugs, and lighting fixtures to create a cozy ambiance.
Incorporating sustainable landscaping practices
A tip to get started with sustainable landscaping practices is to design your outdoor space with water conservation in mind. Group plants with similar water needs together and create zones with varying watering requirements. Incorporating xeriscaping into your garden and backyard can help conserve water resources, lower utility bills, and create a resilient, eco-friendly landscape reducing maintenance using drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation systems, and water-saving techniques.
Choose native and drought-tolerant plants well-suited to your climate and soil conditions. These plants require less water and maintenance than traditional landscaping varieties, making them ideal for xeriscaping. Install efficient irrigation systems like drip lines or soaker hoses that can deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste from evaporation and runoff. Incorporate hardscape features like gravel paths, decorative rocks, and dry riverbeds that look great while minimizing the need for water-intensive grass.
Watering your garden
Proper hydration is key for keeping your garden healthy and strong. This includes maintaining well pumps and using water-saving techniques. Here are some important things to consider when watering your garden effectively.
Checking and maintaining well pumps
If your garden relies on a well for watering, it's crucial to regularly check and maintain the well pump to ensure it's working correctly. Start by inspecting the pump for any signs of damage, like leaks or rust. Check the pressure gauge to make sure it's within the recommended range for your system. Low or changing pressure could mean issues with the pump or pressure tank that need further investigation. Look at the pump's intake screen and clean out any debris or blockages that could restrict water flow. Lubricate moving parts as needed to avoid friction and prolong the pump's life.
Test the pump's performance by running it for a few minutes and checking water flow and pressure. Listen for unusual noises or vibrations that could indicate underlying issues. If you notice any abnormalities, such as reduced water flow or pressure fluctuations, contact a professional, well-pump technician for further diagnosis and repair. Schedule professional maintenance once a year to check for potential issues and keep your well pump in top condition.
Tips for conserving water in the garden
If you want to reduce water bills and be environmentally responsible, conserving water in the garden is the way to go. Here are some effective tips for saving water:
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, like wood chips, straw, or compost, around garden beds and plant bases. Mulch retains soil moisture and regulates soil temperature. It also suppresses weed growth.
Rain barrels: Install them beneath downspouts to collect and save rainwater runoff from your roof. Use collected rainwater to supplement your garden's watering needs during dry periods, reducing your reliance on municipal water sources.
Drip irrigation: Install a drip irrigation system that delivers water directly to the plant’s root through a network of hoses and emitters. Drip irrigation minimizes water waste by reducing evaporation and runoff, ensuring efficient water delivery to your plants.
Watering schedule: Water your garden during the early morning or late evening hours when temperatures are cooler and evaporation rates are lower. Avoid watering during the heat of the day.
Installing or inspecting irrigation systems
Inspect the drip lines and emitters for leaks or clogs and adjust the system to ensure even coverage. Set up timer controls or smart irrigation controllers to automate watering schedules and optimize water use. You can also install rain sensors to shut off watering during rainy periods automatically.
For larger garden spaces, consider installing a sprinkler system with adjustable heads. This allows you to customize the watering patterns based on the needs of your plants. Set the timers to water early in the morning or late in the evening when evaporation rates are lowest, so more water gets absorbed by the plants, and less is lost.
Outdoor kitchen safety
An outdoor kitchen is a great addition to your backyard, especially if you love cooking or prefer dining in the open air. There are a few safety concerns to consider in order to protect property and people.
Inspecting gas lines, electrical connections, and appliances
Outdoor kitchens must comply with local building codes and regulations regarding gas and electrical safety. Damaged or malfunctioning gas lines, electrical connections, or appliances can lead to accidents such as fires or electrocution.
Check the gas lines for any signs of wear, cracks, or loose fittings. Use a gas leak detector solution to test for leaks around the connections and joints. Inspect the electrical wiring and connections for fraying, exposed wires, or other damage. Make sure all electrical components, such as outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures, are weatherproof and properly installed according to local building codes.
Examine outdoor kitchen appliances like grills, refrigerators, and sinks, for defects or malfunctioning parts. Check burner flames for consistent blue coloration, which indicates proper combustion. Clean grease traps and drip pans regularly to prevent buildup and reduce fire risk.
Cleaning and maintaining your outdoor kitchen
After each use, wash the countertops, cutting boards, and utensils with hot, soapy water to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses. Inspect the grill grates, burner covers, and other cooking surfaces for any grease buildup, rust, or debris. Use a grill brush or scraper to thoroughly clean off any residue and avoid flare-ups during cooking.
Check the propane or natural gas tanks for leaks, dents, or signs of damage. Store the tanks in a well-ventilated area and keep them away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using and storing flammable materials like lighter fluid or charcoal to minimize fire risks.
Proper ventilation and fire safety measures
Good ventilation removes smoke, fumes, and excess heat from the outdoor kitchen area. Ensure that the cooking area is adequately ventilated with overhead exhaust fans or natural ventilation openings to prevent the buildup of harmful gases. Install a fire extinguisher rated for outdoor use within easy reach of the outdoor kitchen. Consider installing a fire suppression system designed for outdoor kitchens. Follow the instructions carefully for installation, maintenance, and testing of the suppression system.
Protect your garden and backyard
Maintaining a thriving garden and backyard requires more than just regular watering, pruning, cleaning, or decorating. It also involves proactive measures to protect your outdoor space from potential hazards and unexpected expenses.
Proactive care helps to preserve the beauty and functionality of your garden and outdoor features. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, taking preventive steps can help you avoid costly repairs and minimize disruptions to your outdoor living spaces. The cost of professionals and materials can increase rapidly. The costs of landscaping range from $2,600 to $13,700, depending on the size of your garden and your needs. A basic outdoor kitchen can cost up to $10,000, whereas a luxury one can cost up to $100,000. This is without considering the costs of appliances, furniture, decor, and contractors. A way to reduce these costs is to take advantage of your home warranty. While not everything might be covered by your warranty, it’s an excellent complement next to budgeting for unexpected repairs.
What does a home warranty cover?
Here's what a home warranty typically covers:
Exterior water line: A home warranty can cover repairs or replacements for exterior water lines that supply water to your garden and outdoor features. This includes pipes that connect to outdoor faucets, irrigation systems, and sprinklers.
Exterior electrical line: Home warranties may also cover exterior electrical lines that power outdoor lighting, outlets, and other electrical features. Coverage may extend to repairs or replacements for damaged wiring, outlets, or fixtures.
Add-ons for extra protection
In addition to standard coverage, many home warranty providers offer optional add-ons. These can include coverage for specific garden-related items, such as:
Well pumps: If your garden relies on a well for irrigation, a well-pump add-on can provide coverage for repairs or replacements in case of mechanical failure or damage.
Irrigation system/sprinklers: Coverage for irrigation systems or sprinklers can help offset the cost of repairs to damaged components, such as pipes, valves, or sprinkler heads.
Outdoor kitchen: For those with outdoor kitchens, an add-on specifically tailored to outdoor cooking appliances and equipment can provide peace of mind against unexpected breakdowns or malfunctions.
What’s not covered by your standard warranty
While a home warranty offers valuable coverage for many aspects of your home and outdoor space, it's important to understand what's not covered by your standard policy. Some exclusions may include:
Landscaping: Home warranties typically do not cover landscaping, such as plants, trees, or decorative features in your garden. For protection against damage to landscaping, consider homeowners insurance or a separate landscaping policy.
Improper installations and code violations: Repairs resulting from improper installations or code violations may not be covered by your home warranty. To avoid potential coverage issues, it's essential to ensure that all outdoor installations are done correctly and comply with local building codes.
As you prepare your garden and backyard for the spring and summer seasons, you must take proactive steps to keep its health and functionality. From cleaning garden beds and pruning dead branches to inspecting irrigation systems and maintaining outdoor kitchens, each task contributes to the maintenance of your outdoor living spaces.
Remember to prioritize safety when inspecting gas lines, electrical connections, or outdoor kitchen appliances. Consider investing in protection measures such as home warranties or homeowners insurance to safeguard your garden and backyard against unforeseen expenses.