How to Prepare Your Garden for Spring
How to Prepare Your Garden for Spring
Posted by Fortunoff Backyard Store
Stop & grow the roses.
March 20th marks the first day of spring. Is your garden ready for the season? We put together a helpful to-do list to change your backyard from a barren landscape to a blooming oasis. It’s time to grab your trowel and rake. Let’s dig into how to prepare your garden for spring:
Step 1: Clean up your garden
The first step is to remove any dead plant material, fallen leaves, and other debris that may have accumulated over the winter. This will help prevent disease and pests from spreading in your garden. While most people’s instinct is to throw the debris away, know you can always turn those dead leaves into compost.
Invest in a compost box and make your own fertilizer. It’s a safe and sustainable way to reduce your waste and transform your outdoor space.
Step 2: Prune trees and shrubs
Early spring is the best time to cut back your foliage before it grows new leaves. Pruning branches will help maintain your tree or shrub's shape and promote healthy growth. Need a spot to store your shears and other garden gear? An outdoor shed can add storage to your home and keep messy tools safe and protected from the elements.
Step 3: Test the soil
A soil test can be done by sending a sample to a lab or using a home testing kit. Testing your garden's dirt can help determine if it needs additional nutrients.
Like people, plants need vitamins and minerals to grow big and strong. Adding compost or fertilizer to your soil is an excellent way to fuel your garden for growth.
Step 4: Prepare the soil
Once you test your garden's soil, it's time to prepare it for planting. This can be done by tilling the dirt or using a garden fork to loosen it up. Adding compost, manure, or other organic matter can help improve soil structure and fertility.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the mulch! Mulching helps conserve moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, straw, or leaves, around your plants to keep them thriving.
DID YOU KNOW:
March 21st is National Flower Day.
Step 5: Plan your garden
Decide what plants you want to grow and where to plant your seeds. Consider factors such as sun exposure, soil type, and water requirements. Need some recommendations? These flowers are considered easy to grow and low maintenance for those testing out their green thumb:
- Marigolds
- Lantanas
- Black-eyed Susans
- Zinnias
- Coneflowers
Step 6: Start seeds indoors
If you plan on growing vegetables or annual flowers, start some seeds indoors to get a head start on the growing season. Starting your plants indoors allows them to grow strong roots. Be sure to give them a little shake every once in a while to simulate wind, so they grow strong stems too!
Following these steps will help ensure your garden is ready for a bountiful growing season this spring. It also creates a beautiful backdrop for you to relax in your Fortunoff Backyard Store patio furniture. Want to know which outdoor cushions or patio umbrellas pair best with your new blooms? Explore our selection in store and online.
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