When choosing the right plants for your home garden, you’ll want to consider their personality and appearance. Many gardeners find it enjoyable to get to know their plants’ personalities. For example, some gardeners like to learn more about Swiss chard, bamboo, and aloes. All of these plants make for great additions to your home garden.
Bamboo
Bamboo plants for home gardens can be grown in large containers or pots. A galvanized horse trough is a good choice for planting bamboo. Another option is to plant bamboo directly in the ground, surrounded by a high-density polyethylene plastic rhizome barrier. The barrier should extend about two to three inches below the soil’s surface.
Decorative bamboo, or Japanese Timber Bamboo, grows to great heights. These bamboo plants grow to around eight feet tall but are more significant in their native environment. They increase, with new shoots growing up to 12 inches a day.
Aloes
Aloe plants can be planted outdoors if they get at least six hours of sunlight daily. They are better off in the full sun but can tolerate some afternoon shade. Aloes are best grown in a well-drained bed and don’t need much water unless there’s a severe drought.
Aloe plants are best planted in spring or early summer. In colder climates, medium to large plants is suitable for containers and rock gardens. They can also be transplanted to a warmer area during winter. Aloe plants can also be used as borderline plants, so choose a location where temperatures aren’t as extreme.
Cucumber
To grow your cucumbers in your home garden, you should prepare the soil well. The cucumber plant needs soil that is warm and fertile. It also tolerates alkaline soil. You can improve your garden soil by adding compost or Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All Purpose In-Ground Soil. Once your soil is ready, start planting cucumber seedlings 36 to 60 inches apart.
Cucumber plants prefer light, well-drained soil and warm temperatures. The soil you select should have a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Add two inches of aged manure or compost to the soil. The remaining six to eight inches of soil should be loose.
Swiss chard
Swiss chard plants in the home garden are typically trouble-free, but you should be aware of pests and diseases. It would help if you looked out for leaf spots and aphids, which can damage the plant. Leaf spot is a disease that can cause wilting and stunting, and it’s best to prevent it by preventing overwatering and providing good airflow around the plants.
You can buy Swiss chard plants for home gardens in various varieties. To choose the most appropriate variety, start by testing the soil pH. The ideal pH level is 6.0 to 6.5. Next, make sure the soil is well-drained. Finally, add compost or slow-release organic nitrogen fertilizer to the soil. These organic fertilizers will encourage the vigorous growth of tender leaves.
Jasmine
In late spring, jasmine plants can be planted in sunny locations indoors or outdoors. They will grow faster when placed in brighter areas. However, you should start bringing the plant indoors before the first frost. When bringing indoors, water thoroughly. If possible, cover the plant with pine needles or straw.
Choose a cultivar that grows best in your climate to care for jasmine. The plant generally requires full or partial sun, well-drained soil, and average fertility. If growing indoors, jasmine will grow well in pots. Some varieties will tolerate less light, but their blooming will suffer.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus plants make lovely focal points in flower beds, as a hedgerow, or around a water feature. These plants come in various sizes, so choosing the right one for your space and garden is essential. You can choose tropical hibiscus, shrub hibiscus, or perennial hibiscus for your home garden. Make sure to plant hibiscus in a container that has good drainage. The soil pH should be between 6.5 to 6.8.
Generally, hibiscus plants are grown in pots, which allow gardeners to regulate the temperature and move them indoors when the weather turns cold. You can fertilize your hibiscus plant regularly to ensure yearly blooms and healthy new growth. However, avoid synthetic fertilizer, which can damage the foliage and flowers. Also, remember that hibiscus is best grown in light soil with a mildly acidic pH.
Peas
Peas are an excellent choice for the home garden, as they can be planted together with other crops. While other crops may require succession planting, peas can be planted all at once. They also allow you to use vertical space, which can be challenging in smaller gardens. Here are a few tips for successfully growing peas in your garden.
First, it is essential to choose a suitable growing location. Peas grow well in full sun, cool temperature, and well-drained soil. They are one of the most frost-tolerant vegetables, so planting them in temperatures between 45 degrees Fahrenheit will ensure a successful harvest. In addition, peas are like excellent soil with a pH of six to 7.5. Soil testing services at your local university extension offices can help determine the right pH level for your garden.
