Get Growing Fast With
Handy Spring Garden Checklist
Article by Tom Kraeutler & Leslie Segrete, The Money Pit
Spring has finally sprung and it is now time to get those gardens in full bloom! But, just like everything else in life, there are some things you need to do in preparation for a bountiful harvest come the fall season. This spring garden checklist can help you to get on track and prepare for a successful planting season.
Take A Look Around
The first thing you should do is begin to remove debris that has accumulated over the winter in your yard and garden area. Branches, leaves and dried up weeds may have blown into your spring garden and will need to be removed before you can till and plant. If you have flower bed pathways the stones may have cracked and need repairing. Remove old mulch and trim back dead foliage in your flower beds.
It’s Time To Prune
Now is the time to prune shrubs and bushes. If you have plants that bloom in the spring you will want to prune those after the first bloom. Summer blooming shrubs can be thinned out now. Prune dead, woody branches and stems from shrubs that need those removed. If you have bulbs that need thinning out spring is the time to do that as well. Always do your research if you are unsure of the best pruning method for a particular plant. Local nurseries are a great resource to utilize for help with any kind of pruning or planting information for your particular area.
Check Your Spring Garden Tools
Take stock of your gardening tools and make sure you have everything you need. Clean and oil equipment so that it’s in top working order. Have your hoe sharpened. Make sure you have garden gloves, shears and anything else you are going to need. Hardware stores will be having spring sales so keep an eye out for good deals.
Get Your Soil Tested
You can take a soil sample to your local garden extension office or purchase a DIY kit but either way, you go you want to have your soil tested. If your pH levels are off you will need to add the necessary product to balance it out. Lime is generally added to the overly acidic soil.
Get Your Garden Order In
Make a list of the perennials, shrubs, and trees you want to plant and get those ordered. Depending on where you live you should have already ordered seeds for cool weather plants but there is still time to order seeds for things like green beans and other warm weather plants.
Get Your Garden Area Ready
Clear out any weeds that may be popping up in your garden area before starting. Add compost, manure and any other needed components to your garden area. Till the area, or if it’s a small area or raised bed, turn over the soil. Smooth everything out evenly and your soil is ready to go. Take time to plan where you want specific plants to go and how many plants you need and your gardening will go easier.
Get Ready, Get Set, PLANT!
Always check your area’s planting zone before putting in your vegetable or flower beds. Once you know your zone then it’s time to get planting. Cool weather crops should be going in early. Buying plants for things like cauliflower and broccoli will give you a head start on the growing season. Things like lettuce, radishes, and spinach can be planted from seed. Once the cool weather veggies are done you can use that area to plant warm weather plants such as tomatoes and peppers.
Start A Compost Pile
If you don’t already have one consider starting a compost pile. It’s a great way to build up nutrient-rich soil. It’s the perfect place for all those dried leaves and other natural winter debris to go. If you have no clue where to start, we’ve got you covered. Our How To Make Compost post tells you everything you need to know to assist in starting your spring garden.
Have Fun With Your Spring Garden
Now that you are ready to go, it’s time to enjoy your gardening. If you are a first-time gardener keep it simple. If you are an experienced gardener why not branch out and try something new? Check out our article on Growing a Pizza Garden, it’s a great family project. Whatever you are planting and growing this year remember to take the time to enjoy the steps along the way.
Tom Kraeutler hosts the nationally syndicated radio show and podcast “The Money Pit,” carried right here on WTAW NewsTalk 1620 (Saturday, 7-9 AM). Listeners are invited to ask home improvement questions at any time by calling the show’s 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-888-MONEY-PIT. Questions will be responded to in their next regularly scheduled broadcast. For more great home improvement tips, guides, and advice, follow The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast at moneypit.com/podcast or visit the show’s website at www.moneypit.com. Copyright © 2024 Squeaky Door Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.