Prevent weeds by laying down a water-permeable landscape fabric. Overlap the edges by a few inches and anchor the fabric to the ground with wire or plastic pegs made for the job. Fabric is best used with shrubs, but not perennials with a creeping habit. To plant, make two crossing cuts in the fabric with a sharp knife, pull up the flaps, and plant through the opening.

Speed plant growth by scattering granular fertilizer or composted manure over the planting site. Choose a fertilizer formulated for your plants and follow directions carefully.

Photography by Sabin Gratz/National Gardening Association