As we invent things to make our lives more efficient, the net result is often more things on our to-do list and a greater sense of pressure to get them all done! Let's face it; some of the hottest-selling products and concepts today are all about saving time.

The popularity of gardening has even taken a hit, as we find more and more competition for what would have been time spent in the garden. But whatever the reason, if 30 minutes is all you have to spend each week, here's my list for 10 ways to minimize your time while creating a beautiful, lower-maintenance yard and garden.

Mulch

For the little bit of time it takes to spread mulch throughout your garden beds, the return on your efforts is huge! A 3-inch layer works wonders, and drastically reduces weeds that need sunlight to germinate. The insulating barrier provided by mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing watering time and keeping soil temperatures more even, for happier plants. Mulch even cuts down on plant diseases that would otherwise splash up onto foliage from the soil.

Compost

Nature's fertilizer is free and effortless to make at home from yard debris and kitchen scraps. But once you spread about a 1/2-inch layer around your plants and on your lawn, billions of beneficial microorganisms begin working to improve soil quality naturally. A little goes a long way!

Mow high

When mowing your lawn, cutting the grass at the highest preferred setting will help lawns shade and choke out weeds that compete for sunlight. Higher top growth also promotes deeper roots and a more drought-tolerant lawn.

'Grasscycle'

Why spend time bagging your grass clippings, when allowing them to return back into the soil provides vital organic matter and reduces nitrogen needs by 30 percent. The grass clippings leave no unsightly mess, and don't promote weed growth or thatch.

Clean up

It takes a short time to tidy up the yard if you don't let things pile up. And by keeping plant debris cleaned up and weeds pulled, you greatly reduce the pests and diseases that would otherwise survive to return the following spring. A little time devoted to cleanup each week will save many times that in future work later.

Right plant, right place