How to Select the Right Plants For Your Garden

February 28, 2023

Tips on Choosing Your First Plants for a Beautiful Garden

Choosing the right plants for your garden depends on how much room you have, your garden's aspect, the different soil types and the look you want to create. Starting a garden can be an overwhelming project, especially if you're unfamiliar with the nearly endless variety of plants out there. 


Even a newbie gardener knows that for plants to thrive, they need good soil, sunlight, and water. But before you drop a single seed, you should do some research into the plant types to make sure the plants you choose will actually be happy in your yard. Read on to learn how to make the proper plant selections for your yard that will look beautiful and be easy to maintain.


1. Start by Assessing the Size of Your Yard

Start by measuring the size of your plot with a tape measure, a piece of paper and a ruler as most plants need space. If you plan on container gardening, think about this too and measure up what you have to see how everything will slot into place.


This is a really important first step to allow you to make decisions about scale, furniture and any other areas for hard standing and lawn. You will also know how much room you actually have to grow things, and where your garden borders and beds should be. This will give you a clear idea of what you can achieve in your planting scheme.


2. Test Your Soil

You should know your soil type in order to choose plants suited to the soil at your growing site. While most plants grow best in neutral soil, there are some that thrive in acidic soils and others that really prefer alkaline soils. Still, others will change the color of their bloom depending on the acidity of your soil.


Keep in mind that it is possible to modify the soil conditions in your garden to a degree through the use of amendments and drainage materials. A simple garden pH test will let you know where your current soil stands…and you can go from there.


3. Vary Sizes, Shapes And Textures

The next step to choosing the right plants for landscaping is to vary the plants' sizes, shapes and textures in an area. Tall, thinner plants add interest between shorter, more rounded bushes. Plants with thinner leaves (like grasses) look good with plants that have broader leaves.


4. Consider All Seasons

Though your garden may not be flowering all year round, you can choose different varieties with different bloom times to see it all year round. This way, you will have flowers all season.


You can also select evergreen plants that keep their leaves to add winter interest. Plants with interesting seed heads or dried flower heads will also add winter interest. There are even plants that bloom in the winter.


5. Think About Any Garden Visitors

You need to think about any pets that have made your garden part of their habitat/usual stomping ground and are likely to dig up or chew plants. Critter-Repellent works naturally to protect your planting and keep those visitors safely at bay.


Critter Repellent All Natural Animal Repellent Blog

Rabbit
April 25, 2025
As spring rolls in, so does the uptick in rabbit activity. Breeding season, increased feeding, and yard destruction are all part of the spring rabbit surge. Learn how to safeguard your lawn and garden with natural solutions.
Pest activity
March 19, 2025
Learn how to prepare your home for the seasonal surge in pests and keep them from invading your space.
Mouse
February 20, 2025
Mouse infestations can lead to significant health risks and property damage. Learn about common mistakes in mouse control and discover updated strategies for effectively preventing and eliminating these pests from your home.
By Teri Silver February 6, 2025
The last thing you want to see running around your house is a mouse. And where there is one, there are more. Whether it’s mice, ants, spiders, squirrels, or any other type of rodent, bird, or insect infestation, ignoring those critters can get very expensive in the long run. When it comes to remediating or protecting your home from infestations, the cost of doing nothing can lead to a big dent in your wallet. Keeping house pests at bay is important, especially if you’re planning to put the home on the sales market. How much does it cost to keep the house and property pest-free? That depends on where you live, what types of services needed, and how often the home is treated. But one thing is for sure, it’s easier (and more cost-effective) to prevent house damage than to fix everything after critters have chewed up wires, plumbing, foundation, and the yard. Potential Structural Damage Squirrels, moles, voles, rats, and mice are part of nature, but the damage that even one of these critters can do to a home can run into thousands of dollars. With sharp teeth that never stop growing, squirrels and rodents must “file down” their chompers so they don’t interfere with eating and drinking. Thus, a squirrel’s chewing habits can damage house support beams, siding, and anything else that holds the structure up. The costs to repair the building depend on the severity of the damage. Birds’ nests and clogged gutters are signs that unwanted critters are in the building’s drainage system. Replacing damaged gutters can cost several thousand dollars—to start. On average, it’ll cost between $1,600 and $5,200 (depending on size, materials, and labor costs). Wiring and Insulation Chewed-up electrical wiring is not only a hassle but it can be very dangerous. Mice, rats, squirrels, and other critters will gnaw through wires, not knowing that they can electrocute themselves but worse — start a house fire. Homeowners won’t necessarily see exposed wires around the house. Examining the house structure and wiring allows owners to know what to budget for. Pests and vermin living in the attic may tear up insulation to use for nesting materials. Depending on the size of the house, insulation costs can be anywhere from $1,600 to $8,000 on average. Termites When it comes to destructive insects, termites are at the top of the list. These icky little bugs chew through wood almost as quickly as a cartoon buzzsaw. And the worst thing? In general, homeowners’ insurance does NOT cover termite damage. Signs of termite infestation and damage include: Chewed up or hollow wood Blisters or buckling in the flooring Discarded termite wings Bubbling paint Strips of mud tubes along crevices Damaged support beams Tapping sounds in the walls The cost of repairing termite damage can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars—or more, depending on what part of the house is torn up and what needs to be done. Preventing termites in the yard and hiring a professional exterminator are two ways of keeping these hungry critters away from your home. Pest Entry Points Cracks and crevices are easy access points for mice, insects, wasps, and other pests. Unscreened vents and windows, loose shingles and siding, and chimney gaps are entry points for bugs and mice. Not having trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the house won’t prevent squirrels and mice from coming onto your property, but keeping greenery away from the structure would deter critters from having direct access to it. Perceived Value Whether your house is currently for sale or it’s a plan for the future, having pests and vermin roaming around the property can keep the buyers away. Among the financial considerations, house-hunting taps the emotions of the would-be buyer. No matter what the item is, perceived value is a customer’s view of whether it is worth the money. An infested home has lost its marketing value, especially if a mouse runs across the floor during the negotiating stage. The cost of doing nothing when you should be doing something can lead to a huge repair bill and maybe even a home improvement loan or second mortgage on your house. Ignoring the problems won’t make them go away. If wildlife and insects are damaging your home, do something about it sooner than later.
Pest-Proof Insulation
January 18, 2025
Pest-proof insulation is a game-changing solution for homeowners looking to prevent unwanted intrusions and lower energy costs. Learn how this innovative product protects your property from pests while boosting energy efficiency.
Home Maintenance
January 9, 2025
Proper home and business maintenance is the first step in preventing pest infestations. Learn how regular upkeep, repairs, and preventive measures can keep pests out and ensure your property remains safe, clean, and pest-free.
Green Pest Control
December 10, 2024
Discover the latest eco-friendly technologies and treatments revolutionizing pest control. From organic solutions to advanced traps, learn how innovative methods reduce pest problems while prioritizing environmental health.
Pest Control Issues
November 27, 2024
Apartment buildings are especially vulnerable to pest infestations due to shared spaces and frequent tenant turnover. Learn about the top pest issues in apartment complexes and how management can implement preventative measures to keep them under control.
Pest Invasion
November 25, 2024
Unseasonably warm weather drives pests like rodents, insects, and other invaders into homes earlier than expected. Learn how the changing climate affects pest behavior and discover effective ways to protect your home from infestations.
Woodchuck
October 21, 2024
Woodchucks, known as groundhogs, can destroy gardens and yards. Learn about their habits, diet, and the most effective methods for keeping them off your property to protect your landscape.
More Posts