12 Ideas and Tips for Creating a Low-Maintenance Garden

Love the idea of a garden but not the constant upkeep? A low-maintenance garden might be just what you need. With the right plants and a bit of thoughtful planning, you can enjoy a beautiful outdoor space without spending all your free time working in it.

In this post, I’m sharing 12 easy tips and ideas to help you create a low-maintenance garden full of charm and simple to care for so you can spend more time enjoying your garden and less time maintaining it.

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My blog contains other affiliate links for your convenience as well. Click here to read my privacy policy.

1. Limit the Variety of Plants in the Garden

When it comes to a low-maintenance garden, less really is more.

Limiting the number of different plants you grow, sticking with 5 to 10 tried-and-true varieties, makes it easier to stay on top of things.

Fewer plant types mean less guesswork, less juggling of care routines, and more time to simply enjoy your garden.

2. Use Organic Matter for Low Maintenance Garden Beds

Healthy soil is the secret to a thriving, low-maintenance garden.

Adding organic matter like compost, shredded leaves, or grass clippings to your garden beds will help suppress weeds, retain moisture, and boost soil nutrients.

3. Grow Low Maintenance Garden Plants

A big part of keeping a garden low-stress is choosing plants that can mostly take care of themselves. Focus on hardy, easy varieties that thrive in your climate with minimal effort.

Here’s a breakdown of some great low-maintenance plant options:

Drought-Tolerant Plants

These are a lifesaver for busy gardeners or dry climates. Once established, they need much less watering, which saves both time and resources. Choose plants such as lavender, sedum, ornamental grasses, or yarrow.

Native Plants

Native plants are naturally suited to your local conditions, so they tend to thrive with little work. They’re great for pollinators, too, so it’s a win-win.

Evergreen Shrubs

Another low-maintenance option for the garden is growing evergreen shrubs. They keep your garden looking full and lush year-round, even when other plants go dormant. Try boxwood, juniper, or dwarf conifers for easy-care greenery.

Non-Invasive Perennial Plants

Perennials are great for a low-maintenance garden because they come back year after year, but be sure to avoid invasive types that spread too aggressively.

Always check the plant tag or do some research before planting something new.

4. Avoid Planting Perennials That Attract Pests

If you want to avoid dealing with snails, slugs, aphids, or critters like deer and rabbits, try to steer clear of plants that tend to invite them in. Fewer pest problems mean less time spent on damage control—and fewer headaches for you!

5. Use Ground Cover in Your Garden

Ground covers are a great way to cut back on weeding and watering.

Try mulch, pea gravel, or river rocks to keep moisture in and weeds out, while adding texture and beauty to your garden beds. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference in a low-maintenance garden.

6. Avoid Plants That Need Support

Some plants, like dahlias or tall perennials, can topple over in the wind or rain. They often need stakes or trellises to stay upright, and that can be a lot of extra work throughout the season.

If you’re after a garden that mostly takes care of itself, skip the high-maintenance climbers and floppers.

7. Pick the Best Location to Grow Your Low Maintenance Perennials

A little planning upfront can save you a lot of effort later.

Make sure you know how big a plant will get before you put it in the ground. That way, you won’t have to move it later or constantly trim it back. Choose low-maintenance perennials that fit your space and thrive in your garden’s light and soil conditions.

8. Add Hardscape Elements for a Low-Maintenance Garden

The more hardscape you have, the less planting, watering, and weeding you’ll need to do.

Patios, pathways, arbors, and even small water features can add structure and style to your garden without adding much work.

Materials like stone, tile, or concrete look great and last a long time.

9. Planning a Low Maintenance Garden with Seating Areas

Every low-maintenance garden deserves a spot to sit and enjoy it.

Add a bench, swing, or some weather-friendly furniture to your garden so you can relax and take in all the beauty without needing to lift a finger.

You’ll get bonus points if it’s tucked into a shady corner or surrounded by easy-care plants.

10. Install a Garden Watering System for a Low Maintenance Garden

One of the best ways to cut down on daily garden chores is to set up a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses.

They deliver water right to the roots with no waste. Your plants stay happy, and you’ll spend less time dragging hoses around or worrying about overwatering.

11. Grow a Garden of Low Maintenance Outdoor Potted Plants

Container gardening is perfect if you’re short on space or just want to keep things easy.

Potted plants are easier to control, need less water, and don’t spread where they’re not wanted. Plus, they’re portable, which is great for patios, balconies, or even small garden nooks.

12. Keep a Garden Journal

Staying organized is half the battle when it comes to gardening. Jotting down things like when you last watered, pruned, or fertilized helps you keep track without the guesswork.

A basic garden journal can save you time, remind you of what worked (and what didn’t), and keep your low-maintenance garden running smoothly.

Final Thoughts on Creating a Low Maintenance Garden

A beautiful garden doesn’t have to mean long hours of work or constant upkeep. With a little planning and a few smart choices, like choosing the right plants, adding hardscape elements, and simplifying your watering routine, you can create a low maintenance garden that brings you joy without taking over your schedule.

Whether you have a large yard, a small patio, or something in between, there’s always a way to make your space work for you. Start small, keep it simple, and let your garden grow into something that fits your life, not the other way around.

And remember, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s creating a space you love and can enjoy, season after season.

If you have any questions or additional suggestions, please share them in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with anyone who may find these gardening tips helpful.

Until next time,

Happy Gardening!

I’m a self-taught hobby gardener. Everything I share on my blog is my opinion and what has worked for me.

Follow Me for More Inspiration

Shop my Amazon Storefront, LTK sources, and my favorite home decor, garden, and lifestyle products. When you purchase from one of my links, I earn a small commission, which helps me continue sharing all the content you expect on my blog.

Be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LIKEtoKNOW.it. Do you like gardening? Join my Facebook Gardening Tips & Tricks group.