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Plant Right for Your Site

Plant Right for Your Site Group plants with similar light, water and soil needs.

Get to Know Your Yard

• Where is it sunny and shady?
• Where is the soil sandy or clayey?
• Are there pockets of dry or soggy soil?

Choose the Right Plant for the Right Place

• Place large-growing plants away from your house to avoid constant pruning.
• Select native or Northwest-adapted plants that grow well in our climate.
• Choose plants that resist pests and use less water.
• Group plants by their sun/shade, soil and water needs.

Give Plants a Good Start

• Mix some compost into planting beds.
• Spread out and loosen roots so they'll begin to grow.
• Water (external) with a slow, gentle stream to soak down to two inches.
• Tamp soil down for good root contact.

What About Lawns and Vegetable Gardens?

• Lawns and vegetable gardens need irrigation, several hours of full sun and level well-drained soil.
• Limit lawn areas to locations where you need them.

Learn More Online

• Yard Talk. Dirt Simple tips for Natural Yard Care.
• Learn how to create your own native plant landscape with King County's Native Plant Guide. Find great plants at www.GreatPlantPicks.org (external)

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