Spring is the perfect time to begin gardening, but if you work with Indiana’s clay-rich soil, you’ll have to take extra steps beyond merely digging a hole. The heavy clay content can impede root development and complicate drainage. But with the right approach, clay can be A-OK. HOW TO MASTER CHALLENGING SOIL Is Clay Okay?
Beginning a journey toward a healthier, more active lifestyle is commendable; one key to success is a consistent commitment to exercise. Here are five tips to ensure you’re consistent in your journey. SET REALISTIC GOALS Establishing realistic goals is the foundation of a consistent exercise routine. Instead of aiming for dramatic changes overnight, focus on incremental milestones. Celebrate these little wins to foster a sense of achievement that will fuel your motivation to continue. 1. CREATE A SCHEDULE Just as you schedule appointments and meetings, prioritize scheduling your workout sessions. Designate specific days and times for exercise, treating them with the same importance as any other commitment. This structured schedule helps integrate exercise into your routine seamlessly. 2. FIND EXERCISES YOU ENJOY Exercise shouldn’t be a monotonous chore. Exploring various activities to find those you genuinely enjoy will help you remain consistent. Whether it’s rock climbing, hiking, cycling, Zumba, or aerobics, you need to find engaging activities that you love. This will increase the likelihood of long-term commitment as the exercise is something you want to do. 3. ENLIST A WORKOUT BUDDY Journeys are more enjoyable when shared. Find a workout buddy who shares similar fitness goals and schedules. Exercising with a friend will establish accountability and bring a fun social element that encourages staying on track. 4. BE KIND TO YOURSELF Understand that setbacks are natural. If you miss a workout or face setbacks in your fitness journey, that’s okay! Be kind to yourself and avoid self-criticism to just focus on recommitting to your routine. Consistency is built over time, and resilience is crucial in maintaining it. You can’t be resilient without assuring yourself that you can do it despite the challenges. 5 Tips for Sustaining Your Exercise Routine
PLANTING We recommend you start by digging a hole twice as large as the root ball of your planting. Loosen the roots gently, ensuring the root ball’s top is slightly above the soil surface. Incorporate topsoil at the base of the hole to facilitate better drainage. While a modest layer of mulch in a circle around each plant can be beneficial, avoid applying it too thickly. WATERING Given its tendency to retain moisture, clay soil can be both a boon and a bane, depending on the plant species. You can test how well your soil drains by making a hole the size of a plant and filling it to the top with water. Check on it every 30 minutes to see how quickly it dries up. If water remains after four hours, it’s a signal your drainage is poor. Generally, you should water your new plantings four days a week for one hour in the morning or evening. The sweet spot is between 7–10 a.m. or 6–9 p.m. You can also put a soaker hose on a drip setting at the base of the plantings to get the roots watered. PLANT SELECTION When selecting your plants, opt for varieties that will adapt well to the quality of your soil. Although some species may struggle, clay soil is naturally nutrient-rich and can help plants withstand drought periods better. Some shrubs — like itea and dogwood — are well-suited to this sometimes challenging soil. Plants that can’t handle cold or wet conditions will need an environment with more drainage. Clay can be hard to dig through, so look for smaller plants that don’t require deep holes. With these tips, you can manage any challenging soil conditions on your property to create a flourishing and healthy garden. But Anthony’s Lawn Care and Landscaping is always a call away if you need help.
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