Feed. If you are using plants that are not adaptable to your soils, manure amendments contribute to activating the soil and making it more fertile. There are a wide variety of organic fertilizers available when you need to feed. Sea kelp, manures and other natural materials are the best way to feed your plants ecologically.
Mulch. Mulching keeps the soil soft, aerated and temperatures moderated. An adequate mulch also makes weeding – perhaps everyone’s least favorite garden activity – less necessary, and those weeds that come up easier to remove, or bury. In areas where plants require more nutrients, a good quality compost, combined with mulching can make a profound difference. Bare dirt promotes masses of weeds, hard soil crusts, depleted moisture – and is in many ways the enemy of quality soil. Some mulches, especially very close to structures, can be contribute to potential fire fuel. You may use less mulch in these areas or have your moister zones closer to structures.
Mow instead of spraying. Mowing areas not specifically planted is far preferable to the herbicide – scorched earth solution. Mowing high and dry grass can reduce fire fuel and is an important maintenance chore. In our summer dry climate, mowing can occur infrequently – just enough to keep vegetation low, but allowing roots to occupy the soil and the plants often to produce flowers that can attract pollinators and provides habitats for them.
Prune. Pruning should be done periodically to keep certain plants in the desired height and size range. This promotes fresh new growth and often, flower and fruit production. Pruning can renew declining plants and to eliminate excessive debris. Hedging, while sometimes useful for certain effects, tends to deny the inherent shape and character of plants – reducing them to geometric blobs, often eliminating the flowers or seed which are important in a nature friendly living landscape. Pruning should enhance the character and features of the plant. A diverse garden allows for seasonal adjustments without a massive demand of time.