Gardening Resolutions For A Successful 2023

The New Year gives us an opportunity to look back on the positive and negative events of the past year. Gardening can certainly give us both positive and negative experiences, since the chances of success and failure are equal.

When the new year begins, I like to follow the tradition of making New Year's resolutions. If you follow them, we hope you will have more success and fewer bad gardening experiences.

Danny McKeown. Cincinnati gardening guru and radio personality dies at 81

Manage your expectations realistically

This winter, many of you are looking online for landscape design ideas to bring to life this spring. While you're at it, remember that most of the websites you visit are trying to sell you something, directly or subconsciously.

The internet is a great place to gather ideas, but when it's time to bring them to life, buy the right plants locally. If you're shopping locally, chances are you're working with a local expert. You will find out if your plan or idea suits our particular growth climate.

Responsible attitude to pests and diseases in the garden

There are people who are against the use of pesticides and fungicides. There are also people who prefer to use multiple sprays every time they see a problem in their garden. Both strategies are extreme.

Your landscape plants are an investment in your property. It's in your best interest to keep them healthy and prosperous. Some plants are more susceptible to insect and disease problems than others. When these plants are affected, there is usually a safe solution.

What should be avoided is the preventive application of garden products throughout the landscape in order to avoid possible problems in the future. If you do this, you are likely to harm beneficial insects in your landscape. Insecticides and fungicides should only be used when needed. When used, the goal should be to solve a specific problem in a specific installation.

Understanding sustainable landscapes

Landscape sustainability is the maintenance of balance in nature. It's about using native plants to support wildlife. These are local host plants for pollination by insects. Pollinators help plants produce fruits and seeds. We need native plants to attract pollinators. Insects need host plants to survive.

Some people only use native plants in their landscape. This is a great idea and worth having. There are also many non-native pollinator plants that are very good to use. I believe that your garden is for you and your family. Plants in your yard and garden should bring you joy.

With the exception of plants classified as invasive species, there are no really "bad" plants. Every plant, from the grass in our lawns to the mighty oaks, is a boon to the environment. Plants have always been and remain our greatest resource in the quest for clean air.

Garden rules don't apply

Gardening has many benefits. He can feed you. This benefits the environment. This is a great exercise. Most importantly, gardening inspires a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Many people use different methods to achieve the same result. Let yourself be guided by experience and tradition. If you need help, our region is full of wonderful gardening resources. Don't be afraid to ask for advice.

This article first appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer. Garden solutions for a successful 2023