Things You'll Need:
- Water
- Pruning tools
- Synthetic or organic fertilizer mix
- Mulch
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Step 1
Select plants that are appropriately sized for your landscape. Match the soil type with the plant's soil requirements, and plant survival zone. Note the plant's sun/shade requirements when considering landscape placement. Understand the plant's watering needs and establish a watering schedule accordingly.
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Step 2
Give extra care to newly established landscape plants by watering frequently until the roots are established. Do not fertilize newly established plants.
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Step 3
Provide synthetic or organic fertilizer during the growing season of the plant. Each plant has different growing seasons and nutrient requirements. Know the kinds of plants in your landscape and become familiar with the growing season for each. Some plants, such as day lilies and sedum, grow better when the soil is not rich with nutrients.
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Step 4
Understand the pruning requirements for each plant. Use the proper pruning tools and prune according to each plant's needs. Dull equipment can damage a plant. Sterilize the equipment when using on plants with diseases.
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Step 5
Identify diseased plants and treat appropriately. Some diseases require the removal of the entire plant.
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Step 6
Add compost to the soil once or twice a year to replace nutrients washed out by watering. Start your own compost pile so that compost is readily available each year. Compost such as mushroom compost can be purchased at garden centers.
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Step 7
Place mulch around the plants once or twice a year. Mulch helps keep the soil moist. Organic mulches break down and add nutrients to the soil.
