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How to Select the Best Plants for Your Garden

2,702 views · Published 18 June 2010 · 1:52 · Indexed 30 October 2026

Channel: Howcast · 2010 · Howto & Style

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There's more to choosing what to plant than personal preference. Here are a few things to take into account.

Step 1: Work with your climate
Work with your climate. Most seed packets contain information about the type of weather needed to grow a particular plant, and the region of the country where the plant grows best. Don't forget to factor in how much sunlight your particular garden gets. 

Step 2: Test your soil
Know your soil. You may be able to boost its mineral content with fertilizer, but you can't change its basic composition. Bring a sample to your local gardening center; they can tell you what kind of soil you have and provide an at-home testing kit to see if it could benefit from added nutrients. 

Step 3: Consider your commitment
Consider the commitment you're willing to make in terms of time and effort; some plants are less labor-intensive than others. Decide if you want annuals – plants that need to be replanted every year; perennials, which will come back on their own; or a combination thereof.

Step 4: Know water requirements
Know the water requirements of each plant. Nurturing plants with vastly different needs may prove difficult.

Step 5: Lay it all out
Think of the big picture: Choose plants that complement each other. If color is important to you, pick a combination that keeps something in bloom most of the time. 

Tip
Some gardening websites let you design a virtual garden so you can see how everything looks together before making any purchases.

Step 6: Think of the local pests
Think of the local pests – critters that might make growing a particular plant more frustrating than rewarding – and plan accordingly. 

Step 7: Consult an expert
Ask your local gardening center if they have a certified professional horticulturist on hand. They can help you make your final decisions. 

Did You Know?
An average-size woman burns about 200 calories an hour gardening.

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