Spring is a busy time for gardeners. It’s a time to prepare for the summer by pruning, clearing and planting. It can be a lot of hard work, so make sure that you are only doing those tasks that will give you the most benefits in your garden and your yard. Here are some easy to follow tips for gardening in the springtime that will ensure a beautiful and bountiful garden all summer long. Even if you have a landscaping project for spring, it is a good idea to still clean up your yard and get it spring ready.
- Clean Your Yard. Rake up any debris left on your lawn after the winter snow has melted. Remove any mulch from the soil so that the soil can properly thaw out. Once the soil has thawed and warmed up, put down new mulch and remember to keep it away from the base of plants.
- Make Repairs. The winter cold and frost can cause cracks and other damage to steps, fences and pathways, so check to see what repairs are needed in your yard. Tackle repairs right away in order to prolong the life of the damaged item and to prevent future injuries caused by tripping or falling onto the damaged item. Also, spring is a good time for painting before the hot summer weather hits.
- Prune Trees and Shrubs. Wait to do any pruning or trimming until the trees and shrubs in your yard have started growing new leaves. This will allow you to see which branches are dead or damaged. If you need help in removing them, call a local tree company, as they will have the proper tools to do the job quickly and without any injuries. As well, trim shrubs each year to keep them to a manageable size.
- Add Compost To The Soil. If you have a compost pile from last year, spread the composted soil on top of your garden in order to add nutrients to the soil. If you don’t have a compost pile yet, now is a good time to start one. Compost bins and tumblers are easy to use, plus they keep the compost material together while keeping rodents and small animals out.
- Start Planting. Make sure to place your plants in nutrient-rich topsoil, as this will make them grow faster and stronger. Use stakes to help stabilize new plants, especially trees and to provide support for climbing plants, such as tomatoes and cucumbers. As well, make sure to keep new plants well-watered for the first two weeks while they become established in their new home.
- Clean Out Bird Feeders. To prepare for the new season, make sure to empty out all bird feeders, check them for any damage and to thoroughly clean them before refilling. Wood bird feeders can be fixed, but if any glass or plastic feeders are damaged, you should throw them out so that the birds will not injure themselves. To clean wood feeders, use a stiff brush to remove all dirt and debris. Glass or plastic feeders should be disinfected with a small amount of bleach diluted in warm water. Scrub the feeder, rinse well and then allow it to dry completely before adding fresh birdseed to the feeder.
