Tips for Lazy Gardeners

I am a lazy gardener.

I’m fortunate to live in an area with plentiful rainfall because otherwise my garden would be a wilted mess, like my houseplants. My husband has actually told me to quit buying houseplants because he “can’t stand to watch the little things die.” He has a point. Houseplants are just too needy.

But, outside? Well, that’s another story. I grew so much produce last year that I was tired of all the freezing, preserving, cooking and baking (I’m lazy, remember). My plants pretty much took care of themselves and that suited me just fine.

Recently, I searched for other lazy gardeners online and let me tell you, my definition of lazy and theirs did not coincide. I mean seriously, “Design and install an irrigation system”? You people do not know what lazy means!

If you are a beginning gardener or extremely lazy like me, read on for some gardening tips that don’t include a plumbing or engineering degree.

Start small. I cannot stress this enough. We all get excited and tend to plan gardens that are too big. Even the pros start small and add over time. One year, my daughter and I had half the backyard rototilled for a vegetable patch. It was a weedy nightmare. Learn from my mistakes!
Do it right. Yes, I am lazy, but if you start small you can find the energy to build a good foundation. Pull up the weeds, remove rocks, etc. You have my permission to ignore the rest of the yard.
Good Dirt. This step is boring, but if you have good soil you can be lazy later on. It’s worth it. Have some garden soil delivered (I do a 50/50 soil and compost mix). For extra points, have a landscape company put it where you want it (or make your husband do it like I do).
Consider raised beds. Raised beds make life so much easier. Everything is contained in neat boxes. They don’t have to be fancy and again, make someone else build them.
Poop. If you’re starting with your existing dirt, amend it with chicken or cow manure. You’ll be glad you did. Later.
Perennially lazy. If you’re just starting out, plant perennials. These beauties will come back year after year without you having to do anything. You can grow perennials in your veggie patches as well. Rhubarb and herbs make great foundation plants.
You do it. Likewise, plant things that reseed themselves. Some flowers are awesome at doing this. Poppies, pansies, cosmos, etc. scatter their seeds with abandon and I get more flowers every year.
Personal space. Plant close together (still giving plants room to thrive) and you’ll have less weeds. Hooray for that.
Low maintenance. Plant things that don’t need to be pampered. Who has time for that? Zucchinis are a great way to start a vegetable garden. They grow like weeds and are versatile in cooking and baking (search for recipes here at allmomdoes.com). It will depend on where you live, but in my area, sunflowers, tomatoes, beans, pumpkins, peas, etc. are also easy growers.
I’ll sit this one out. A chair/kneeler is a Godsend. If you have painful joints or have trouble getting up and down, this will save you. Turn it one way and you’re close to the ground. Turn it the other way and you have a seat for higher chores (or just to sit for a spell). I also use mine to hold baskets when I’m picking berries and produce. Here’s one example.
Welcome. I use an old welcome mat while gardening. I can sit “in the dirt” without getting a dirty bum. I move it around with me. It allows me to be in the garden when the ground is still wet with dew.
My nails! Buy a box of medical gloves and wear them under your gardening gloves. This will save you from getting broken and dirty nails. For an added boost, put on a bit of hand cream before donning your gloves. Spa treatment!
Bring a bag. There will be an upcoming blog on this subject so I won’t go into too much detail, but a garden bag is an energy saver! Trust me.
New toys. Here is what is on my shopping list:
- Garden Gloves. These look ridiculous and I want them. Dig and weed without a shovel? Count me in.
- Thumb Knife. Prune and harvest with one hand? Yes, please.
- Garden Shoes. I keep a pair of clogs next to the backdoor. These can be easily cleaned and come in a multitude of patterns.
- Umbrella Hat. You do not need this, but it is hilarious. You’re welcome.
- Left-Handed Garden Tools. Did you know they have left-handed garden tools? I didn’t until my son bought me some.