Gardening is a wonderful hobby and a great way to save money on groceries, but backyard gardens aren’t always very productive. Nurturing your plants requires a lot of hard work, and you want to reap the rewards of your labor! Fortunately, there are several things you can do to improve the health of your garden and ensure a bountiful harvest at the end of the summer.

Whether you want to keep your bounty for yourself or share it at a local event, check out the following tips and resources presented to learn how you can grow a productive garden yet!
Brush Up on the Basics
Whether you’re new to gardening or you earned your green thumb years ago, a little learning never hurts.
- Make sure you understand hardiness zones and how to make the most of yours.
- Find gardening resources fit for novices to get the ball rolling.
- Educate yourself on the benefits of companion planting.
- Learn about the most common garden pests and diseases—and how to prevent them!
Find Ways to Save Time
Growing a beautiful, productive garden doesn’t have to take up all of your free time.
- Amend your soil to prevent compaction and allow for easy weeding.
- Mulch your garden beds to prevent moisture loss and reduce weeds.
- Maintain your gardening tools to make quick work of pruning and planting.
- Choose native plants that are likely to thrive in your climate.
Think Beyond the Garden
The rest of your landscape can use a little love too! Give your whole home exterior a makeover this year.
- Add a watering system for healthy grass with strong root systems.
- Build an outdoor living area where you can relax and host guests.
- Find and hire a tree removal specialist to get rid of dead or dying trees.
Growing a productive garden isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Paying attention to soil health, choosing the right plants, and caring for your crops over the growing season will ensure success. With the right tools and techniques, your garden is bound to be the envy of your neighbors—and could even earn you some money at a local event!