GETTING YOUR GARDEN READY FOR SPRING
Whether there’s still a few hints of snow on the ground or you’re ready to tip toe through a field full of tulips, it’s time to dust off the gardening gloves and tools and get a little dirty!
Step 1 – UNDERSTANDING YOUR REGION
It may sound obvious, but not everything grows everywhere, so what you plant is determined by where you live. Online research is great, but you should talk to someone who works at your local garden center or a local landscaper about the best native plants for your region.
Step 2 – CLEAN UP
Your garden has most likely been exposed to the elements and debris during the winter and fall months. Leaving this could impede the growth for many new buds. Cleaning out the beds and digging up weeds is the first step in ensuring your garden is ready for planting. Be sure to also trim dead and broken branches from trees and bushes.
Step 3 – DUST OFF YOUR GARDEN TOOLS
Pull out those tools that have been sitting around all winter. If you didn’t get a chance to clean them last season, start with basic soap and water. Follow with a disinfectant to prevent the spread of disease causing pathogens. Because, like many things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Step 4 – PREP YOUR SOIL
Make sure your soil is ready for planting. Use a spade or pitchfork to start turning the soil over and rake it out. This will also expose any weeds that hadn’t made it to the top surface. Add about 2-3 inches of fresh compost. If you don’t have any, most local garden centers carry it. Rake again to mix the compost and soil. Be sure to wait about a week or so before planting, so the compost has time to blend with the soil and won’t damage the roots of the new plants or flowers. Because it may just be dirt to us, but to a plant it’s home.
Step 6 – MAINTAIN
Upkeep, upkeep, upkeep is the key. Make sure you keep new plants trimmed and garden beds weeded. As we approach late Spring, early Summer, you’ll want to lay down a nice layer of mulch. This helps keep the weeds down and holds moisture to keep the plants and flowers hydrated during the brutal summer months.
Design It Yourself Gifts & Baskets offers a variety of Gardening Gift Baskets to get you and your garden up and running!
