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We know you're itching to start planting, but first, check off these important tasks.
Are you more the spring gardening type than the spring cleaning type? We know you're itching to start planting, and we're right there with you! But before you dive headfirst into planting, let's make sure your garden is prepped and ready to flourish. Think of this as your garden's spring cleaning – a little effort now will pay off in a big way with a bountiful and beautiful season.
If you're eager to escape the house, put on your gardening gloves, and get out in the yard, there's no better moment than the sunny days of early spring. Start with this checklist as soon as weather permits in spring, and you'll have more time later on for tending to your garden.
1. Tidy Up Outdoors: A Clean Slate for Success
Think of your garden as an artist's canvas. Before you can create a masterpiece, you need to start with a clean slate. This step is all about removing the remnants of winter and setting the stage for new growth.
Why This Task Matters: Removing debris and weeds eliminates hiding places for pests and diseases, improves air circulation, and allows sunlight to reach the soil, warming it up for planting.
2. Tune Up Your Tools: A Gardener's Best Friends
Your garden tools are your partners in crime, so treat them well! Taking the time to clean and sharpen your tools now will make gardening tasks easier and more enjoyable throughout the season.
Why This Task Matters: Sharp, clean tools make gardening tasks easier and more efficient. They also help prevent the spread of diseases.
3. Tend to Trees and Shrubs: Pruning for Health and Beauty
Spring is the perfect time to give your trees and shrubs some attention. Pruning helps maintain their shape, promote healthy growth, and encourage flowering and fruiting.
Why This Task Matters: Pruning promotes healthy growth, improves air circulation, and encourages flowering and fruiting.
4. Improve The Soil: The Foundation of a Thriving Garden
Soil is the backbone of successful spring gardening. If you think of it as an earthy environment for plants to cling to, you're not wrong, but high quality soil does so much more, like provide essential nutrients. Plus it has the right texture for roots to spread out. Since not all soil is created equal, make sure you're kicking off the spring season with the good stuff by improving the soil anywhere you intend to plant.
Why This Task Matters: Healthy soil provides plants with the nutrients, water, and air they need to thrive.
5. Get Cool-Weather Plants Ready: A Head Start on the Season
If you've started early-season seedlings indoors, now's the time to prepare them for spring.
Why This Task Matters: Hardening off seedlings and preparing them for outdoor conditions helps ensure a smooth transition and prevents transplant shock.
Ready to Get Started? Once you tackle these spring garden tasks, you'll be ready to get out there and have fun once the time is right. As you know, the early bird gets the worm—and in this case, a delicious harvest and beautiful blooms, too! So, grab your gloves, gather your tools, and get ready to create the garden of your dreams!