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Indoor gardening provides growers with a lot of control over their plants, however it can be an expensive option due to the equipment needed such as watering systems and grow lights. The abundance of natural light makes outdoor gardening an attractive option for many home growers and plant enthusiasts. Outdoor gardening is also very beginner friendly and can be a great way to move your body while spending time outside. When creating an outdoor garden, all you need is some space and some seeds. We’ll discuss the important things to keep in mind when choosing the right plants for your outdoor garden.

Environment

The environment is one of the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing the right plants for your outdoor garden. Before buying plants, it’s wise to conduct research on the types of flora that will thrive in your current environment. The climate, soil characteristics, and presence of animals in your area, will have an affect on the types of plants you choose for your garden. 

Climate

There are five main climate groups: tropical, dry, temperate, continental, and polar. There are also a plethora of subclimates as climate can vary around the globe. Outdoor gardening provides less control than indoor gardening so it’s best to work with your climate rather than against it. For example, rare house plants such as cacti and succulents thrive in dry and arid climates. They can also be suitable for tropical or subtropical climates due to heavy rainfall and humid air in the evening and winter months. Arid plants will do poorly outdoors in a continental climate due to the changing of the seasons and snowy winters. Desert and prairie environments offer the most suitable climates for arid plants.

Soil Characteristics

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The physical characteristics of soil are important for plant growth. When it comes to choosing the right plants for your outdoor garden it’s essential to analyze your soil. Look at the: color, texture, structure, depth, stone content, and the space between the particles in the soil, or porosity. The main types of soil are clay, sand, and silt. Sand is ideal for desert and beach plants because it is coarse and fast drying allowing for oxygen, water, and nutrients to flow easily. 

A lot of plants can’t thrive with clay soil because it is compact and sticky. It holds water well but has limited flow of oxygen and nutrients which makes it hard for plants to take root and causes them to suffer. Silt is a mixture of sand and clay. Wetland plants found in river deltas thrive in this type of soil because it is very fertile. If you have a favorable climate, but the soil for your plants is not ideal, don’t stress! You can grow your plants outdoors in a pot and purchase the right soil for them. 

Animals

When selecting plants for your garden, protecting your plants from the animals in your environment is a key factor. Arid plants are a great choice for an outdoor garden because they have thorns that act as a natural defense against predators. One tip to keep animals at bay is to set up a fence to protect your garden. For animals that can fly or climb well such as birds and squirrels, hang a bird feeder near your garden filled with food and treats to distract them from feasting on your plants. While insects can be beneficial to your plants aiding in pollination, if certain bugs, like aphids, become a nuisance, sticky traps and natural repellants can be great pesticide free solutions.

Parasites & Disease

Since plants are living organisms, like humans, they are susceptible to parasites and disease. Certain parasites use plants as their host, like nematodes or roundworms, which exist in every environment and can transfer to humans and pets. To reduce the likelihood of your plant getting parasites or diseases make sure they are in the proper soil, getting the right type and amount of sunlight, and receiving enough water. 

Do your best to keep your garden clean and free of organic debris. Quarantine any new additions to your garden for two weeks to ensure the new plant does not introduce parasites or diseases. Finally, inspect your plants regularly and take notes of any fungi, small pests, or changes in appearance.

Maintenance 

It’s important to factor in your lifestyle when deciding on which plants to choose for your outdoor garden. If you’re an active person who doesn’t want to dedicate much time to gardening, then plants like roses or hydrangeas wouldn’t suit you well as they are high maintenance and will consume a lot of your time. Arid plants are great for those who are busy and don’t have much time to dedicate to their outdoor garden. They require a lot of sunlight, but they can go a while without water. 

Creating an outdoor garden is a wonderful way to gain a new hobby while simultaneously adding beauty to your home. While it is important to consider the environment, plant health, and your lifestyle, these are not factors that should hinder you in designing your dream garden. These serve as a guide for you to make empowered decisions to save you a lot of disappointment down the line. Incorporate these helpful tips to ensure your garden is a success!