What to plant on side of garage?

Welcome back to the MM Garage Door Repair Utah blog! As your trusted local garage door experts, we’re often asked about more than just garage door maintenance and repair. Many homeowners are looking for ways to enhance their curb appeal, and one common question we receive is: “What to plant on the side of my garage?”

The answer, of course, depends on several factors, including your local climate, the amount of sunlight the area receives, your soil type, and your personal preferences. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the process and offer some fantastic ideas to transform that often-overlooked space into a beautiful and inviting garden.

Understanding Your Garage’s Microclimate

Before you even think about plants, it’s crucial to understand the specific conditions around your garage. Garages often create unique microclimates. Consider these points:

• Sun Exposure: Is the side of your garage facing south, north, east, or west? South-facing walls get the most sun, while north-facing walls get the least. This will heavily influence the types of plants that will thrive.
• Soil Conditions: Is the soil well-draining, or does it tend to stay wet? Garage foundations can sometimes affect drainage. You might need to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its quality.
• Wind Exposure: Is the area sheltered from the wind, or is it exposed to strong gusts? Wind can dry out plants quickly, so you’ll need to choose wind-tolerant varieties or provide some form of windbreak.
• Proximity to the Garage: Consider how close the plants will be to the garage door and its mechanism. You don’t want plants interfering with the door’s operation or causing damage.

Choosing the Right Plants

Now that you understand your garage’s microclimate, let’s explore some plant options. We’ll break it down by sun exposure:

Full Sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight)

If your garage side gets plenty of sunshine, you have a wide range of options:

• Lavender: This fragrant herb is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators.
• Sedum (Stonecrop): These succulents come in various shapes and sizes and are very low-maintenance.
• Coneflowers (Echinacea): These colorful flowers are easy to grow and attract butterflies.
• Daylilies: These hardy perennials offer a profusion of blooms in various colors.
• Ornamental Grasses: These add texture and movement to your garden. Consider varieties like Feather Reed Grass or Little Bluestem.

Partial Sun (3-6 hours of direct sunlight)

For areas with moderate sunlight, consider these options:

• Hostas: These shade-loving plants offer a variety of leaf colors and textures.
• Hydrangeas: These classic shrubs produce beautiful blooms in shades of pink, blue, and white. (Note: some varieties need more sun than others)
• Coral Bells (Heuchera): These plants offer colorful foliage in shades of purple, green, and bronze.
• Astilbe: These plants produce feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, and white.
• Impatiens: These annuals provide continuous blooms throughout the summer.

Full Shade (Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight)

If your garage side is mostly shaded, don’t despair! There are still plenty of plants that will thrive:

• Ferns: These classic shade-lovers offer a variety of textures and sizes.
• Bleeding Hearts: These delicate plants produce heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white.
• Lily of the Valley: These fragrant plants produce bell-shaped flowers in the spring.
• Japanese Painted Fern: This fern offers silvery-green fronds with burgundy highlights.
• Vinca Minor (Periwinkle): This groundcover provides evergreen foliage and small blue flowers.

Planting Tips and Considerations

Once you’ve chosen your plants, follow these tips for successful planting:

1. Prepare the Soil: Dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the plant’s root ball and amend the soil with compost or other organic matter.
2. Plant at the Correct Depth: The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil.
3. Water Thoroughly: Water the plant deeply after planting to help it establish its roots.
4. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Consider Vertical Gardening: If space is limited, consider using trellises or hanging baskets to create a vertical garden.
6. Be Mindful of Garage Door Functionality: Ensure plants do not obstruct the garage door’s path or interfere with sensors. Trim regularly.

Safety Note

Before planting, always check for underground utilities. Call 811 before you dig to avoid damaging any buried lines.

Final Solution

The best solution for planting on the side of your garage is to carefully assess the microclimate, choose plants that are well-suited to the conditions, and follow proper planting techniques. Remember to consider the long-term maintenance requirements of your chosen plants and ensure they won’t interfere with the operation of your garage door.

FAQs

Q: Can I plant trees near my garage?

A: It’s generally not recommended to plant large trees too close to your garage, as their roots can damage the foundation. If you want to plant a tree, choose a smaller variety and plant it at least 15-20 feet away from the garage.

Q: What about planting vegetables?

A: If your garage side gets enough sunlight, you can definitely plant vegetables! Consider growing herbs, tomatoes, peppers, or other vegetables in containers or raised beds.

Q: How often should I water my plants?

A: The frequency of watering will depend on the type of plant, the weather conditions, and the soil type. Generally, you should water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Q: My plants are attracting pests. What should I do?

A: There are many organic and chemical pest control options available. Consult with your local nursery or garden center for recommendations.

We hope this guide has given you some inspiration for transforming the side of your garage into a beautiful and inviting garden. Remember, a well-maintained garage door is also essential for curb appeal and home security. If you’re experiencing any issues with your garage door, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at MM Garage Door Repair Utah.

Ready to give your garage door some love, too? Contact us today for a free quote! Call us at 801-418-9217 or visit our website at mmgaragedoorrepair.com. Let us help you create a home that’s both beautiful and functional – inside and out! Let’s get those garage doors rolling smoothly again, so you can focus on enjoying your newly landscaped garage side!