6. Maintain Your Garden

Now That Your Lawn is Gone: Intro
Now That Your Lawn is Gone: Year One Check In
Now That Your Lawn is Gone: Ongoing Maintenance
Protect your young plants from insects and rodents.
  • Regularly check for water. Depending on the season and the size of your new plants, you should plan to check your soil every few days. If the soil is dry down to the roots, it is time to water. If the soil is still moist, hold off for a few more days and check again.
  • Keep an eye on your plants. Check to be sure your plants are staying healthy. A bit of shock is normal in the first couple of weeks, but after that plants should be green and perky. Drooping or yellow leaves may be a sign that something is wrong. If a lot of plants are dying, it could be due to improper planting or watering—plants placed too high or too low, roots not broken up during planting, too much or too little water.
  • Check your mulch and cardboard. Some of your mulch may be displaced due to pets or other garden visitors. Be sure to keep the cardboard covered with a layer of mulch to maintain an orderly appearance and prevent it from blowing away.
  • Weeds? Pull any you see. If there is a large area of weeds, it could be where cardboard coverage isn’t complete or the cardboard got ripped.
  • Stay in touch with other gardeners. You will likely come across a mysterious bug or plant in your garden. Compare notes with neighbors, nursery staff or friends – it is highly probable someone else will have wisdom to share from a similar experience. Or, join our East Bay Garden Friends Facebook group to share pictures and get advice from other gardeners.

For more long-term best practices about ongoing garden maintenance, visit:

Maintain Your Garden