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Soil Maintenance:

The various processes of plant growth take place in the soil. If forms the foundation for the roots, which anchor the plant firmly in the ground. Plants also take in water and nutrients through their roots. Therefore every garden needs a good soil maintenance program.

You achieve good soil fertility when you regularly work in compost. But weeding is also part of good soil care. Weeds take up water and nutrients from the soil that your ornamental plants need.  Soil maintenance does not mean digging. This work is only required with beds that are new or entirely done over. Afterwards, loosening the surface of the soil with a hoe is enough. 

Plants are living things and need nutrients. So it is important to supply the soil with a basic provision of organic fertilizer, which adds nutrients slowly. Perennials or vegetables beds that are intensively planted are often given extra fertilizer in the form of inorganic fertilizer. But in moderation. Over fertilization may even be harmful and could pollute the groundwater.

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