Three Techniques for Creating a Low-Maintenance Succulent Garden

One of the greatest aspects of gardening is that no two gardens are ever the same. The plant choice and the landscape design of every garden are unique to your needs. As a first-time homeowner, you want to design a low-maintenance garden. Since you have black thumbs and even remembering to water your plants is a chore, you can't choose a better plant to care for than succulents. However, succulents do not only belong in pots. Here are three techniques for creating the perfect low-maintenance succulent garden on your property.

Succulents Love Heat, Not Cold

One reason why succulents thrive well in states like Queensland is that they love the heat. If you are planning to grow succulents in states which experience harsh cold in the winter, such as Victoria and Tasmania, then you need to frost-proof your succulents by covering them with blankets or other warm fabrics to trap in the heat. When planting your succulents in the garden, be sure to choose spots where there is plenty of sunlight. Avoid areas where they would spend time in the shade, such as under trees.

Choose the Right Soil Base

Succulents love soil which is dry, so you need to choose garden locations where water drains away after heavy rains. Succulents left sitting in water-bogged soil will die quickly due to root rot. An ideal location in your garden is a lightly sloping piece of land, or within a rock retaining wall. Anywhere the water dissipates quickly to leave dry soil is an ideal spot. Before you plant the succulents in your chosen spot, add one part of bark and one part of very fine gravel for every two parts of potting soil mix you use. The gravel aids water drainage, and the bark composts to provide nutrients to feed your succulents.

Watch Out for Aphids

There are not a large number of pests which annoy succulents, but the aphid is one which does. Aphids are destructive because they suck the sap from your plants, which weakens them internally. Aphids come in a variety of colours, but you can tell they are there if your succulents are yellowing and dying. You can eradicate aphids using a pesticide purchased at your local nursery or hardware store.

Growing a succulent garden is fun and easy, so have a chat with your local landscape plant supplier about which succulents work best at your home's location.


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