How to Grow Plants Near the Ocean

While living by the sea is the dream of many homeowners, the reality of living on the coast can become frustrating to gardeners who want to grow a beautiful lush landscape like neighbors located a few miles inland.

The fact is that most plants that thrive inland simply don’t like salty soils and the salt-sprays that come with those ocean breezes — and high winds.

However, with a little tweaking and compromise, it is possible for seaside dwellers to have a beautiful landscape worth its salt.

The Problems with Ocean Front Landscapes

Salt in the soil prevents many plants from growing properly because it inhibits water absorption.

The salty spray landing directly on the plant itself worsens the problem. That, coupled with the sandy soils found at beachside that are nutrient-poor, and the high winds in the winter and you have a recipe for a stressed plant that can’t get enough water or nutrients.

The result? Leaf drop, and even death of the plant.

The answer? Planting salt-tolerant (or drought-tolerant) specimens and following these tips for reducing salt damage.

How to Reduce Salt Damage

There are several options to help reduce salt damage.

Establish wind breaks. Salt tolerant shrubs, such as small leaf evergreens, can be used as windbreaks to shield more sensitive plants. This will prevent wind tunnels that can carry salt spray. You can also provide shelter for vulnerable plants in the winters; commercial shelters are available, you can also build one using simple framework and roofing made of plywood or even pine boughs, and cover with burlap stapled into the framework.

Group together trees and shrubs. This will help protect them from wind and salt spray; plant the more tolerant plants closest to the ocean to protect the more sensitive plants.

Create a soil environment to retain moisture. Make sure you mulch properly and even hose down plants after storms and high winds (rinsing tender buds in spring also helps).

Find Salt-Tolerant Plants

While there are many plants that do tolerate these harsh conditions, experienced seaside landscapers advise to first look at the area surrounding the property before plunking down money for plants, shrubs or trees.

If there is a house already on your property, look at the micro-climates that already exist on the site, including shelter from the high winds and salt sprays.

In addition, jot down other notes about the property: Are there locations exposed to the sun the entire day? Where is there shade? It could be dry, sandy soil, but are there marshes in the area? Where are the winds blowing from? Are there any areas that are sheltered from the wind, sun or salt spray? How close is the property to the ocean? Will the high tide run over any part of the landscape?

Take your notes to a local grower who understands the conditions of the area, and, with the information you provide about the conditions of a particular site the grower will be able to suggest plants that may work.

Sea-Worthy Plants

There are actually many options for seaside landscaping – ranging from grasses to groundcover to shrubs and trees. Annuals are also a good alternative for homeowners who want color but can’t plant the traditional flowering perennials (which generally do not do well by the ocean); some annuals even tolerate a mild frost.

‚”Going native” is another option that would work well which can require less care than non-native species; a local nursery can be the best guide in steering you to the best alternatives.