Lättskötta

Lättskötta is a Swedish term meaning low-maintenance or easy to care for. In gardening, landscaping, and home improvement, it describes plants, gardens, or design approaches that require relatively little ongoing effort in tasks such as watering, pruning, feeding, and pest control. The term is commonly used in catalogs, advice columns, and real estate listings to indicate reduced upkeep.

In horticulture, lättskötta species tend to be drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and tolerant of poor or compact soil. They are often hardy and long-lived, with attributes such as compact growth, natural disease resistance, and the possibility of infrequent pruning. Many such plants thrive with minimal fertilization and can tolerate varying light conditions.

Design strategies for lättskötta gardens include using hardy perennials, native or climate-appropriate species, groundcovers, gravel or rock features, mulching, and efficient irrigation. Planting in groups, selecting drought-tolerant species, and minimizing lawn area are common practices to reduce maintenance.

Advantages include saving time and resources, steadier appearance with less seasonal care, and suitability for urban environments, rental properties, and busy households. Limitations can include less dramatic seasonal interest, higher initial cost, and a need to plan for climate-specific challenges; maintenance never disappears entirely.

Beyond gardening, the term is also used for products marketed as easy-care, such as furniture, textiles, or cleaning agents, and in real estate to describe homes designed for minimal upkeep.