8 Smart Ways to Put Your Garden on Autopilot

You don't need a live-in gardener or a fancy irrigation system to make sure your yard gets watered regularly. Instead, you can schedule your lawn or garden watering using a water timer, a handy garden gadget that attaches to your hose bib. These devices work similarly to those light timers you set up indoors before you leave for vacation. Timers start at about $20, but pricier models give you the ability to control the settings via an app on your smartphone. Pictured here, the Orbit Single-Dial Water Timer, available on Amazon; $31.83.

Related: 7 Smart Ways to Save Water in the Yard

A thick layer of mulch helps garden beds retain precious moisture and prevents weed growth, so you'll be able to spend less time watering and weeding and more time relaxing. Buy bags of mulch from your local garden center, or make your own using materials in your own backyard. 

Related: 11 Age-Old Gardening Tips to Ignore Completely

A weed barrier provides a layer of protection between you and the weeds lurking in your soil. By laying down sheets of newspaper or landscaping fabric prior to mulching, you can greatly reduce your weeding chores. Keep in mind that newspaper breaks down, so you'll need to replace it as it decomposes to continue to reap its weed-fighting benefits. 

Related: Keep, Don't Kill: 9 Weeds to Welcome

For plants that do require regular watering, add a moisture-retaining material like vermiculite or perlite to the soil prior to planting. This simple step will help tender plants go longer between waterings without wilting in the heat.

Related: 12 Clever Ideas for a Space-Smart Garden

Discover and admire beautiful and innovative home architecture, from grand Victorians to quaint cabins and all the styles in between. Take a look at the latest images and inspiration!