Showing your garden some love this spring is the best way to enjoy the beautiful space you create. By following a few simple tips, you can ensure that your garden thrives all season long.
1. Start by Cleaning It Up
All throughout the fall and winter seasons, your garden was exposed to the elements. Therefore, you need to begin by clearing out any leaves, broken branches, or other debris that may have fallen into your garden.
Because spring bulbs and plants pop up from the ground quickly in the spring, it is important to start the cleaning up process as soon as possible. By doing this chore early, you do not have to worry about damaging the new plants as you step around the garden.
You will want to use the same method to clean up your bushes and trees as well. Get everything ready for spring by trimming off any dead or broken branches. This is also a good time for shaping and pruning your trees.
2. Get Your Gardening Tools Ready
Your tools have been put up all winter long, so now is the time to get them out and get them ready for spring gardening. The right tools are important when working in the garden this season, so you want to make sure they are prepared to do a good job. Use soap and water to clean off your tools. For any tools that have wooden handles, you will want to use mineral spirits. Mineral spirits help keep the wood on these handles from splintering. It is a good practice to clean your gardening tools every spring and fall, or anytime they become especially dirty.
3. Show Your Soil Some Love
It is critical that your soil be prepared for any planting. To begin, you will need to turn over the soil using a pitchfork. Next, you need to rake it out to get rid of any weeds. Then, add compost or manure to the soil which will provide it with the right nutrients. The manure or compost should be added at least a couple of weeks prior to planting. This will allow time for it to mix with the soil. Otherwise, you risk burning the roots on the new plants.
4. Create a Gardening Plan
You need to check the zone for your location to determine the vegetables and flowers that will thrive best where you live. Local nurseries can sometimes provide you with recommendations as well. The most important part of gardening is planting. If you want color blooming all season long, mix annuals and perennials. Height is also important when it comes to planting. Make sure that any taller plants you add to your garden are not going to block the sun from your shorter plants.
5. Maintenance Is Key
It is important to maintain your garden all season. When the flowers begin to bloom, deadheading is vital to ensure additional flowers. This is also the best time to plant your annuals that will provide more color to your garden alongside the perennials.
In the late spring, you may want to add a layer of mulch to your garden. This will help prevent weed growth and moisture loss during the hotter months. In addition, it will break down and add nutrients to the soil during the fall and winter.