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A well run garden can be kept looking good without minimum work if it
is designed and planted with care, steps taken to remove wherever
possible, things that cause a lot of, or regular, recurring work
Key to this is the compost heap (see Page ). Don't overfeed the garden,
it causes excessive soft growth that is more prone to pest and disease
attack. Always cover the soil. mulch, use 'stepping stones' so that you
do not need to tread on the soil, which compacts it.
Pest and Disease Control Encourage nature's
scavengers - birds, and 'diggers' - worms. Use of pesticides should
only be used in exceptional circumstance, it is almost always best to
use cultural methods of prevention and control. Always dispose of
diseased material out of the garden unless you can burn it. Grow a wide
range of plants to reduce the likelyhood of a build up of pests or
disease.
Weed Control Do not let weeds proliferate, they
compete with desirable plants, often harbour pests, look a mess. Use
cultural methods of control where appropriate, especially mulching, or
hoeing. Bare soil always grows weeds. Judicious use of
herbicides as part of a sensible programme to rid a garden of certain
weeds is well worth while. The priority is never to let
weeds seed, and don't put weed seeds, or perennial weed roots in your
compost heap.
Planting Grow a wide range of plants, suitable
for your soil, situation and conditions, and chosen not to cause
unnecessary work in the future. Know the potential of your plants, and
do not let them get out of control. Careful pruning or training from an
early stage will usually give you a better shaped and better size
plant. Grow plants that give you good all round value for the space
they take up, flowers, foliage, shape, birds and butterflies, scent
etc.
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