Rules to Garden by

Everything has Rules

  1. Know the local zone.
  2. Know the local dryness (drought).
  3. Read the label for zone and dryness.
    • Big box stores don't sell for the local micro-climate.
    • Read the labels carefully in a big box store.
  4. No plants that require special care.
  5. If a plant does poorly, move it.
    • If it continues to do poorly, move it again.
    • If it continues to do poorly, mulch it.
  6. Plant annuals only if they self seed.
  7. Plants grow slowly, be patient.
  8. If you have a limitless budget, buy larger plants.
    • If your budget is limited, sprout seeds.
  9. Seeds sprout and grow very slowly, be patient.
    • "The first year they sleep,
      the second year they creep,
      and the third year they leap."
  10. Never plant things just because you like to eat them.
    • Plant vegetables and fruits only if they meet all the other rules.
    • Plant vegetables and fruits that you have never heard of,
      that meet all other rules, and learn to like them.
  11. Research plants and decide exactly what you want to purchase.
    • Most local nurseries cannot source anything out of the ordinary.
    • Purchase online to get exactly what you want.
    • The risk of DOA plants is worth getting exactly what you want.
  12. Plants are living, a percentage will die before getting established.
  13. Scientific names are fluid, a moving target
  14. Be patient.