Landscaping Basics: Beds, Mulch, and Plants
Landscaping basics for homeowners: planning beds, choosing the right plants, mulching correctly, and digging safely.
Header Photo: Alexander Roumega / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Good landscaping starts with a plan, the right plant in the right place, and a few inches of mulch. You don’t need a big budget. You need patience and a little planning before the first shovel hits the dirt.
Start with a simple plan
- Watch your sun. Note which areas get full sun (6+ hours), part sun, or shade. This decides what will grow.
- Check drainage. After a hard rain, look for spots where water sits. Most plants hate wet feet.
- Sketch it out. Draw your house, walkways, and existing trees on paper, then mark where beds will go.
- Think about upkeep. Every new bed is a little more weeding and watering. Start small and expand.
Call 811 before you dig
Before you plant a tree, build a bed, or put in edging, call 811 or submit a request online. It’s free, and utility companies will mark buried gas, electric, and water lines. Requests typically need to be made a few business days ahead, and the exact rules vary by state.
Right plant, right place
Read the plant tag for mature height and width, not just how it looks in the pot. A cute shrub planted under a window can swallow it in five years. Group plants with similar water and sun needs together. Native plants are often a smart choice because they’re adapted to your climate and support local pollinators.
Mulch the right way
- Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch over beds to hold moisture, keep roots cooler, and block weeds.
- Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems. Piling it up against the trunk (“volcano mulching”) traps moisture and invites rot and pests.
- Top it up once a year rather than piling on more every season.
Edging and borders
A clean edge between lawn and bed makes the whole yard look finished. A simple spade-cut edge works and costs nothing. Metal, plastic, or stone edging keeps grass from creeping in with less upkeep.
When to plant
For most trees and shrubs, fall is an excellent planting time. The soil is still warm for root growth, and cooler air means less stress. Spring works too, but new plants will need extra water through their first summer. Annual flowers go in after your area’s last frost.
Water new plants well
New plants need regular, deep watering for their first year or so while roots spread. Check the soil a couple of inches down. If it’s dry, water slowly at the base, not over the leaves.
Ready to keep the lawn around your beds looking sharp? Read the lawn care guide.