of 7.0 is considered neutral. Anything lower indicates acidic soil; higher, alkaline.
The path of least resistance — and the best course of action — would be to select plants best-suited to your garden conditions. But suppose you need to reconcile your love of tomatoes with your soil’s low pH value? In that case, you can incorporate dolomitic lime (follow package directions) to raise the level. And just as lime raises the pH — or increases the alkalinity — of soil, amendments such as elemental sulfur will lower it (opt for pelleted over powdered, and again, follow directions).
WATERING INCORRECTLY
Most garden plants require 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation. But leaving the work to a sprinkler, while suitable for the lawn, puts shrubs, annuals, perennials and edibles at risk. Mold, mildew, fungal and bacterial diseases spread as water becomes trapped between plant parts or splashes from infected leaves to healthy ones.
Instead, snake a porous soaker hose or drip-irrigation system made of perforated plastic tubing over the soil surface. That will direct water to roots, where it’s needed, instead of leaves, fruit and flowers.
SKIPPING COMPOST
Compost is a gardener’s best friend: It improves the drainage of heavy clay soil, increases the moisture-holding capacity of sand and adds high-quality nutrients.
Incorporate generous helpings into new beds and borders, or add an amount equal to half the removed soil to individual planting holes.
WRONG PLANT AND PLACE
A plant labeled as needing “full sun” will likely disappoint if planted in part shade, and vice versa. And no matter how much you hope otherwise, “drought tolerant” will never mean “likes poorly-draining, soggy soil.”
Selecting plants suited to your growing conditions will result in a better-looking, healthier garden that requires less care and maintenance.
IMPROPER MULCHING
Mulch retains soil moisture, suppresses weeds and helps keep soil temperatures even, so it’s an essential component of every garden. Mulching improperly, however, can kill your plants.
Always opt for a natural material such as shredded bark, wood chips, straw or pine needles, which will enrich the soil as they decompose.
As a matter of routine, apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around plants. Keep the material 3 inches away from trunks and stems to avoid blocking air circulation and locking in moisture, which would result in rot.
And never pile up mounds of mulch against tree trunks. The practice, often called “volcano mulching,” prevents air circulation and locks in moisture, which leads to suffocation and rotting over time. To avoid this, make sure the flare at the base of the trunk is always visible.