• What do you currently have?
  
• What are you going to plant and why?
• Do you have the proper sun requirements and understand the eventual size of the plants?
• Make a sketch off your plan and stick by it as well as adjust accordingly to with any appropriate changes.
• A gardening journal is a good idea to track history on current and future projects.

2) Preparation

• The key to successful planting and thriving plant material is proper bed preparation.
• This consists of building up the native soil with liberal amounts of organic material.
• Enriched compost worked into the planting zone at the initial planting stage and constantly mulching and replenishing the beds with hardwood or cedar mulch is the key.
• This not only holds essential moisture in, but cuts back on plants watering demands and helps make essential nutrients readily available for plants when you fertilize.

3) Purchasing

• Make a budget and try to stick to it.
• Plant the right type of plants during the right season.
• Utilize Extension recommend guidelines for your plant decisions.
• Support your local independent nurseries, which take pride in carrying the best adapted plant material for your area.
• Always work with a Certified Nursery Professional for advice in helping you pick the right plants and products for your landscape.

4) Plant

• Quality and service should be your number one priority.
• Select and plant quality plant material. Discounted plants are often stressed to begin with and should be avoided. Don’t take someone else’s problem home with you.
• Purchase only what you can plant and get a Professionals Landscape Contractor involved with the big stuff.
• When the job is completed, just don’t walk away. Even native or well-adapted plants do need some care and maintenance for establishment and long-term aesthetic qualities.

David Rodriguez is the County Extension Agent-Horticulture with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Bexar County. For more information, call the Master Gardener “Hotline” (210) 467-6575 or visit our County Extension website at http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu.