How To Care For Shrubs Planted In A Small Space

Shrubs are a great way to add color, structure, and vibrancy to any landscape. Bigger than a flowering plant but smaller than a tree, shrubs come in either an evergreen variety or are deciduous, meaning they shed leaves during autumn. They only grow to a few feet tall, and every nature lover is soothed by their ever-so-wonderful presence. 

While many love to plant shrubs in small spaces, they are often neglected as people assume they tend to care for themselves. However, this could not be further from the truth. Like any other plants, they too need tending and will only grow with the appropriate care. If you too have shrubs around your garden or are planning to plant some, read on as we list some factors you must do to take care of your shrubs. 

• Climatic conditions
  
  Many overlook climatic conditions, not realizing how important it is for plants to grow and thrive. While some shrubs can tolerate drought, others need plenty of moisture and water. Before planting a shrub of your choice, be sure to read the label or speak to your local gardener about whether your climatic and soil conditions are appropriate for said shrub.

1. 1. Watering the plants
      
      You must schedule a watering process as this helps your plant receive the optimum level of hydration to grow and flourish. Most shrubs about 6-8 feet tall need about 2-3 gallons of water a week. Be sure to read all instruction labels and conduct extensive research to ensure you don’t overwater or dehydrate your shrubs.

• Appropriate feeding habits
  
  Novice plant parents make the mistake of adding fertilizers to their newly planted shrubs. This will only suppress root growth rather than enhance it. Instead, one can mulch the soil with compost to provide necessary micronutrients.

• Prune your shrubs when necessary
  
  Pruning your shrubs has multiple benefits, including boosting crop yields, controlling plant growth, and adding to the aesthetics of your small space. However, one must keep in mind to do it at the right time. Spring is considered a suitable season to prune most shrubs, and you could use many tools such as pruning shears, anvil pruners, and ratchet pruners.
• Be aware of pests and insects
  
  With any plant, there is always the danger of pests and insects threatening growth and life. Apart from finding natural sprays that repel pests and insects, you could also find organic pesticides that keep these life-sucking predators far away from your well-groomed shrubs. Besides these solutions, finding resilient shrubs while attracting the right kind of insects like butterflies and bees is beneficial. You could also incorporate gardening practices like crop rotation and interplanting to keep pests away. 

Shrubs can be beautiful houseplants if given the appropriate care and love. Small things such as planting them at the right time, maintaining a regular watering schedule, and giving them the right feed can go a long way in keeping shrubs healthy. We hope that our list gives you the necessary information to help you care for your loved plants!