It’s peak gardening season in Indiana. Are you ready to tackle it? Gardening is more than digging in the dirt—it’s about creating a space that feels alive and vibrant. But cultivating the garden of your dreams takes some strategy. To help you take your green thumb to the next level, we’ve gathered our top 10 gardening tips for 2025. Let us be your guide. 

Our 10 Gardening Tips for 2025 

1. Plan Before You Plant 

Before you dig into your project, take the time to plan. Get to know your outdoor space so you’re setting up your plants for success. Sketch out the layout, consider sunlight patterns, and group plants with similar needs together. A well-thought-out design ensures that your plants get the right amount of sun, shade, and water to flourish all season long. 

2. Feed the Soil

Healthy plants start with healthy soil. For the best outcomes, test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Is it too acidic? Are you noticing any earthworms? If your soil needs some love, amend it with organic compost or high-quality mulch to improve structure and fertility. Try mixing mulch in with your soil! This addition can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, giving your plants the best environment to grow. 

3. Choose the Right Plants 

Placing plants at random can be a costly mistake. Get to know which plants thrive in your region, then select plants suited to your climate and soil type. Consider color, texture, height, and width to make your beds aesthetic to the eye. Consider how much shade or sunlight each patch of land will get through the day. Not sure where to start? Native plants are a great option because they’re adapted to your area’s conditions and require less maintenance. Or seek expert advice from a landscaping pro (ahem…like us!). 

4. Water Wisely 

Plants need water, right? Right. But overwatering is one of the most common gardening mistakes. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. If you can, water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and give your plants time to dry before evening, minimizing the risk of disease. 

5. Mulch Like a Pro 

A fresh layer of mulch not only looks fantastic but also offers practical benefits. Musselman’s premium mulch helps suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and protect plants from extreme temperatures. Spread mulch 2-3 inches thick around your plants while avoiding letting it pile up against stems. Mulch will help your plants hold on to nutrients, stay moisturized, and protected from weeds.  

6. Prune Regularly 

Pruning keeps your plants healthy and encourages new growth. When you remove dead branches or buds, more nutrients and energy flows to the thriving parts of your plant. Cut away dead or damaged branches, thin out dense foliage to improve airflow, and shape shrubs and trees to your desired aesthetic. And remember: always use sharp, clean tools to make precise cuts and prevent damage.  

7. Compost Your Clippings 

Turn garden waste into gardening gold by starting a compost pile. Composting is a resourceful way to use up grass clippings, leaves, and kitchen scraps while supporting better garden health. These materials break down into nutrient-rich compost that can be mixed into your soil. What an eco-friendly way to reduce waste and give your plants a natural boost! 

8. Keep Pests at Bay 

Integrated pest management is the key to maintaining a healthy garden without relying heavily on chemicals. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, use natural deterrents, and keep plants healthy to prevent pest infestations. Musselman’s landscaping materials can also help create barriers that deter pests. 

9. Rotate Your Crops 

If you grow vegetables, practice crop rotation to prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Carefully move plants to a new spot each season to keep the soil balanced and your harvests plentiful. 

10. Love Your Landscape 

Your garden is an extension of your home, so take time to enjoy it. Add pathways, seating areas, or water features to create a welcoming space where you can relax and unwind. Not sure where to start or which materials are best? Schedule time with us to explore Musselman’s landscaping products so you can design the perfect outdoor retreat. 

Ready to Grow? Let Greendell Help. 

At Musselman, we’re here to support you every step of the way. From our premium mulch to our expert landscaping advice, we’re committed to helping you create a garden that’s as beautiful as it is functional. Visit us today to explore our wide range of products, and let us help you grow the garden of your dreams.