8 Best Gardening Tips for 2023

The start of a new year sparks fresh creativity! Learn about the best gardening trends for 2023 that you shouldn't miss. These patterns are a reflection of the expanding appeal of climate-smart gardening techniques, fresh fall gardening suggestions, and the enduring appeal of indoor plants.

These gardening trends for 2023 provide a wonderful opportunity for gardeners to be inspired and gain an understanding of what experts on the leading edge of this field are doing in their gardens. "These trends are an exciting source of ideas that may breathe new life into your space, in an approachable way, whether you're a newbie gardener or a seasoned professional," said PHS's Vice President of Horticulture, Andrew Bunting.

Discover eight innovative new concepts, then apply them to your garden this year.

1. The location of your garden should be sunny. 

The majority of veggies grow best in broad light, although some do need shade, especially in the summer. Make sure your potential location receives six to eight hours of direct sunshine each day by observing how the sun affects it throughout the day.

2. Calculate the size of your garden. 

Giving your plants ample space to root and flourish is crucial. Take advantage of the area and think about creating raised beds if your backyard has enough space for a substantial garden. You may make the most of your space in smaller spaces via square-foot gardening, which divides your garden into precisely square parts. Consider cultivating a tiny garden in pots or planters if your apartment has a balcony or windows that receive a lot of direct sunshine.

3. Take into account interplanting. 

Vegetables that can be planted close to one another to ward off pests, draw helpful insects, and promote growth are known as companion plants. Some vegetables may grow well next to some plants but not others, making some crops unsuitable for companion planting. Research which plants grow best nearby before randomly planting. Each vegetable has a specific partner plant, including tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, and radishes.

4. Look for top-notch seeds.

Invest in high-quality heirloom, hybrid, or open-pollinated seeds that are known to yield lush plants and are less susceptible to disease. You can also store your seeds. These kinds of seeds should be available at your neighborhood grocery shop or garden center. Additionally, you can browse online for non-GMO and organic seeds.

5. Purchase quality soil. 

Garden soil comes in six different varieties: sand, silt, clay, peat, chalk, and loam (which is a blend of sand, silt, and clay). Loamy soil is ideal for growing most veggies. For vegetable garden loam, the ideal soil composition is roughly 40 percent sand, 40 percent silt, and 20 percent clay. To boost the health of your plants, think about adding mulch, compost, or other organic materials to your garden.

6. Use a pesticide that is natural or organic. 

Your vegetables will inevitably attract pests. Use a non-invasive insecticide or insecticidal soap to get rid of bugs. Other companion plants, like dill and parsley, draw predators that eat common pests, while others, like rosemary, repel some unpleasant insects. Use a fence or net to completely enclose the edge of your garden to keep larger animals away.

7. Make weeding a regular part of your day. 

Check your garden every morning to see if any weeds are growing there. In the morning, while the soil is still damp and the weeds are still manageable, you should pull them. The greatest instrument for getting rid of weeds is your hands, even though you can purchase a pair of weed cutters.

8. Your soil should be composted. 

Minerals, fungi, and bacteria found in compost are helpful to plants. It increases plant immunity and lengthens the life of your crops.