Hey everyone! I recently bought my first house in the winter, and now that spring is here, my front yard is going wild with growth. Honestly, it's kind of overwhelming for someone like me who has zero gardening experience! There's a big bush getting huge and some leafy plants spreading everywhere that I can't even identify. I'm really feeling lost and would love some beginner-friendly tips on how to manage this. Should I tackle it myself or hire a professional landscaper? Any advice or encouragement would be super appreciated! Thanks a ton! ?
4 Answers
First off, don't panic! Spring is when most of the yard work happens, but it won't be this intense all year. The first thing you need to do is identify your plants. Apps like INaturalist or PictureThis can help, even if they're not perfect.
Right now is weeding season—it's essential to pull out anything unwanted before it gets established. Trust me, the less that gets set in now, the easier it'll be later. And if you have empty spots, consider planting something nice instead of just fighting what you don’t want. Mulching is also key right now, as it helps keep moisture in and stop unwanted seeds from sprouting!
Identifying what plants you have is crucial! You can use the r/whatisthisplant subreddit or some apps to help with that. Each plant needs its own care, but don’t stress—by the end of the year, you’ll have a handle on it.
And for a little encouragement, remember: those plants grew back just fine without your help! If they’re thriving even now, you’ve got some good stuff going on!
You've totally got this! If you’re ready to put in some effort, you can achieve a beautiful yard without being a gardening pro. Just keep in mind how much time you can actually dedicate. If you only have a couple of hours each week, focus on the areas that need the most attention first.
My partner and I are also overwhelmed by our garden right now! It's normal to feel that way with everything blooming and needing maintenance. Just paying attention to your yard is a great start—you're already on the right track!
Consider hiring someone from a local garden center instead of a big-box store. I got my start that way, and it worked wonders! Find someone experienced who can guide you on plant identification and basic upkeep. That support can really help if you’re feeling lost! Plus, building connections in your gardening community can be invaluable!