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YardSmart Marin
HOW TO SELECT PLANTS FOR YOUR GARDEN
By: Tracey Liao Van Hooser | March 27, 2023
It’s spring, the favorite time of year for planting. Before you head to the nursery, do some research. While it may be tempting to pick plants only by appearance, it’s important to keep these things in mind:
Select for Disease & Pest Resistance
Our advice for dealing with plant health problems (yardsmartmarin.org/disease) starts with prevention: whenever possible, select a varietal that is resistant to disease. You’ll have a garden that is easier to maintain - and you won’t need to reach for toxic chemical sprays to try to battle the fungi, bacteria, virus, or insect that is plaguing your plant.
Deer are common in Marin. Unless your yard is fully enclosed with a tall fence, select plants that are deer resistant (and even deer resistant plants may require additional protection while they become established),
Consider Native Plants & Avoid Invasives
Native plants are a smart choice; they evolved to thrive here without any intervention! You’ll be minimizing the need for irrigation, fertilizing, and pest management. The California Native Plant Society’s Marin Chapter is a terrific resource: cnpsmarin.org.
On the flip side, invasive plants are non-natives that also thrive in our environment. Unfortunately, they grow and reproduce so aggressively that they can take over your garden and crowd out native species. You might be surprised to learn that you can buy invasive plants in many nurseries. Research before you go!
Plant for Pollinators, Birds & Beneficials
We (and our kids!) love seeing all of the creatures our garden has invited to visit! With proper plant selection, your yard can be full of hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and birds. Supporting pollinators like these is important for our ecosystem. And did you know you can even plant to attract beneficial insects that help keep the bad bugs in check? You can find suggestions here: yardsmartmarin.org/protect.
We prefer to attract birds with plants and trees instead of a bird feeder. Bird feeders attract rats and can become vectors for the avian flu (which has been a significant problem in Marin over the last few years).
Be Fire Smart
Some plants are more flammable than others. Location is also key; consider plant height at maturity and proximity to your home. Check out “Create a Fire-Smart Yard” at firesafemarin.org.
Have Specific Questions?
Contact UC Marin Master Gardeners! Their website is an invaluable resource (marinmg.ucanr.edu/) and their Help Desk is available by email or phone.
Happy Gardening and Choose Your Plants Wisely!
Choosing the right plants will reduce your need for pesticides, keeping your yard safe for your kids, pets, and making a difference for our environment.
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How to Select Plants for Your Garden Read>>
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