When it comes to decorating your home, there are endless ways you can take on the idea. If you want to splurge, there are stores on every other corner that sell all kinds of accessories. If you want to save money, you can always make your own decor. There are tutorials all over the internet about how you can upcycle old clothes and furniture into something new and eye-catching. But arguably one of the best ways to improve the aesthetics of your house is by gardening.
Whether you live in a tiny apartment or a spacious estate, there’s always space for some plants. The best thing about them is that they don’t just add color and life to any room, but they also provide health benefits. The problem is that they need a bit more time and care than other types of decor.
Check out these four mistakes to avoid so your plants will live longer, and your home will look livelier.
1. The Wrong Kinds of Plants
Unfortunately, you can’t just pick any random type of plant or flower. For example, plants like oranges and apricots attract pests and rodents because of their food and scent. Instead of improving how your house looks, it could look worse. Mice are notorious for digging up holes in gardens. The situation can even exacerbate and pests get inside your home. You’ll end up needing a rodent control service when you just wanted to spruce up your yard.
Before you take home the first plant you see, do your research first. Choose flowers and plants that are like lemongrass, mint, and basil. They smell great, look vibrant, and repel bugs. Plus, you can use them for your cooking as well.
Find out which plants are native to your area. It’s more likely that they’ll survive because they’re suited to the weather conditions. Plus, it will also help the environment because it preserves the diversity and aids pollinators.
2. Treating all Plants the Same Way
Not all plants are equal. Some are definitely more high-maintenance than others. There are a lot of varieties that need specific amounts of sunlight, water, and the right temperature. Croton plants even react to changes in its location. If you move it abruptly, its leaves might fall.
If you’re going to buy a transplant, chat up the staff at the store. They might give you crucial advice about how to help the plant adjust to a new environment. On the other hand, seeds are a different story. Getting them to bloom is the big challenge right from the get-go. Make sure that you have the right type of soil and that it’s getting enough sunlight access. Keep it away from pets so that its growth won’t be disrupted.
3. Thinking Short-term
When people buy flowers, they think of the blooms. The pretty, colorful flowers that brighten up any room in the house. The problem is that plants don’t bloom all the time. They only flower at short periods, and they typically only live for two years or even less. Instead of focusing on a single season, get plants that bloom year-round. This has two distinct advantages. First, you get flowers at all times of the year. Second, it’s better for the environment. This will help bees and other pollinators, so they have something to feed on throughout the year.
4. Letting it Grow
Once your plant is healthy and thriving, you might be tempted to just let it flourish. But, it’s crucial to give it a haircut now and then. Pruning can prevent perennials, shrubs, and trees from declining and lengthen their life span. It also has the added benefit of improving their appearance. You can shape them neatly, so they won’t just grow in odd directions. Most of all, it also encourages more growth, so you get more fruits and flowers.
But before you pick up a pair of scissors and start cutting, know when and how you should prune first. Different varieties have different needs so you can’t just cut all your plants the same way. Do your homework first so you don’t end up accidentally killing your plant.
Gardening is one of the best ways to introduce color and personality to any home. Even if you have little space, you can add hanging plants or flowers on the windowsill. The only downside is that plants usually require more attention, but the trade-offs are more than worth it. They help your health, contribute to the environment, and spruce up your home. What more can you ask for?
