Introduction
Vlogging didn’t just survive the last few years—it evolved. Through shifting algorithms, rising competition, and the explosion of short-form content, creators who kept showing up found new ways to connect, grow, and adapt. The digital landscape didn’t get easier, but vlogging proved its staying power because of one thing: people still crave real stories from real humans.
Now, 2024 brings a new set of dynamics. Platforms are tweaking what gets promoted. Viewers are savvier, hungrier for meaning. And creators? They’re being pushed to move faster, dig deeper, and niche down. Whether you’re a full-time vlogger or just testing the waters, knowing what’s changing—and how to work with it—isn’t optional. It’s how you stay in the game.
Before you dig in, take a moment to pay attention to your environment. Your local climate and how much sun your space gets will dictate what you can grow. Don’t fight nature—work with it. Think less Pinterest board, more weather report and compass.
Next, choose your location with care. You need decent soil—not brick-hard clay or lifeless sand. Drainage matters too; roots rot in puddles, not dreams. Also, make sure you can actually reach the space with tools, water, and your own two feet. If you have to climb a hedge to harvest a tomato, it’s not the ideal spot.
Finally, sketch out a basic layout before planting. It doesn’t have to be pretty—just enough to avoid chaos. Overcrowding stunts growth and attracts pests. A little structure up front saves time, space, and sanity later.
If you want a garden that takes care of itself more often than not, start with the right plants. Perennials, native species, and drought-tolerant varieties are your frontline defense against overwatering, replanting, and burnout. These are plants built for your climate—less needy, more resilient.
Don’t overthink it. Hardy herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano earn their keep in the kitchen and the garden. Ornamental grasses like blue fescue or muhly grass offer movement, color, and zero drama come midsummer heat.
The pro tip? Group your plants by what they need. Sun lovers with sun lovers. Water sippers with water sippers. This kind of planning means less babysitting and more thriving. Whether you’ve got a backyard plot or a few pots on the patio, thinking ahead makes the difference.
Not sure where to start? Check out The Best Plants for Beginners: A Simple Gardening Starter List.
Start with the soil. Good content can’t grow in weak groundwork, and the same goes for your garden. Blending in compost or an organic soil mix gives roots the boost they need—more nutrients, better drainage, stronger systems. If you skimp here, you’ll be battling problems from the start.
Next: mulch. It’s not just about aesthetics. A solid layer helps crush weed growth, keeps the soil moist longer, and holds temperature steady when the weather flips. Less stress on your plants, less upkeep for you.
Finally, stop dragging hoses around. Install a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose setup. They get water exactly where it’s needed, use less of it, and save you time day after day. Efficient, clean, done.
Set your foundation right, and the rest gets easier.
Raised beds and containers continue to be a go-to for creators designing manageable, photogenic vlogging backdrops that double as real-life gardens. They give you control over soil quality, drainage, and spacing, while keeping invasive weeds mostly out of the picture. For urban or DIY lifestyles, containment equals sanity.
Next up: evergreen shrubs and year-round bloomers. These are the workhorses of low-maintenance visual interest. They give your background a consistent splash of life, no matter the season. Think of them as the background music of your vlog—quietly doing their job, making everything feel more composed.
Then there are those tricky spots. The ones where nothing seems to grow except frustration. That’s where stones, mulch, or hardy ground covers earn their place. Smarter creators are turning those dead patches into deliberate design features—call it strategic minimalism. Less fuss, more flow.
This year, the smartest vloggers aren’t just planting—they’re planning. With flexibility, low-maintenance design, and visual consistency in mind.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Growing
Creating a thriving garden doesn’t require micromanagement. A few smart habits can help even beginner gardeners avoid common pitfalls while encouraging steady growth.
Rotate, But Don’t Over-Fuss
While it’s a good idea to rotate your plants—especially vegetables—to prevent nutrient depletion and reduce the risk of pests, it’s easy to overthink it.
- Rotate crops seasonally or annually, depending on the plant types
- Avoid moving plants too frequently, as this can cause stress
- Stick with a simple rotation system for optimal results
Track What Thrives (and What Doesn’t)
Keeping a basic garden journal can go a long way toward long-term success. You don’t need to document every detail—just note the highlights.
- Record what you planted and when
- Track what worked well and what didn’t survive
- Use this data to make better planting decisions next season
Leverage Local Expertise
Nurseries in your region offer more than just plants—they’re a key resource for understanding what grows best in your specific climate.
- Ask staff about native or drought-tolerant options
- Get advice on soil health, watering frequency, and pest control
- Build relationships with local plant experts for ongoing support
Fall is for shedding what doesn’t serve. Cut back dead growth to clean up the plant structure and prevent disease from setting in. Lay down a solid layer of mulch—two to three inches will do—to protect roots and hold in moisture before the frost hits.
In winter, don’t tune out completely. Keep an eye on evergreens; they still need a drink now and then when it’s dry and not frozen. Skip the pruning during this time, but stay alert.
Spring is go-time. As things warm up, inspect plants for signs of pests before they settle in. Aphids, mites—they show up early. Catch them. Then fertilize smart, based on the plant’s needs. No overfeeding, just a well-timed meal.
By summer, growth is in full swing. Deadhead blooms to keep flowers coming, and if your mulch has thinned out or broken down, top it off. Plants need all the insulation they can get when heat peaks.
You don’t have to be a landscape architect or full-time gardener to build a backyard that works. Start simple. A couple of raised beds, a small compost corner, or a low-maintenance butterfly patch are all solid starters—and none of them require daily care. Pick a layout that fits your space, use native plants that basically water themselves, and set up a timer for irrigation if you’re feeling fancy.
The key is to make a few smart choices upfront. Choose tools that won’t break, soil that drains well, and plants that don’t need babysitting. From there, you can level up. Add a trellis. Toss in a fire pit. Build out that corner pergola when you’re ready. But to begin? Keep it light. Keep it doable. A backyard isn’t built in a weekend, and it doesn’t need to be. You just need to start.