Spring Garden Care

As spring approaches and your garden wakes up from its winter slumber, your plants could use a little TLC to get back into their groove. By giving them a helping hand, you're not only rejuvenating your garden but also nurturing your own well-being, both mentally and physically. Gardening is a great way to be physically active outdoors, and the process can be soothing and therapeutic. Help yourself and your garden with some spring plant care tips for getting your backyard green and beautiful by the time the season reaches its peak: 

Early Spring

Clean out the garden and check your supplies. It’s time to clean your garden and remove all the debris (leaves, branches, leftover snow, etc.) Get rid of weeds, making sure that you get the roots, so they won’t grow back. This is also a good time to sharpen or get new garden tools, if needed, because they are required for plant maintenance and soil care. 

Prep the beds and revitalize the soil. Because your soil is likely dried out and packed after winter, it’s time to add moisture. Remove winter mulch or, if well composted, work into the top layer of the soil. Add organic material like leaf mold, compost, or well-rotted manure. Test the soil to see what nutrients it lacks, so you make sure to add the right mixture. More fertilizer may be needed to enhance the health of the soil and increase your plants’ lifespan. In addition to fertilizers and organic materials, you should think about adding mulch to your flowerbeds, garden, and area surrounding your pond. For weed and disease prevention, add one to three inches of mulch. It also keeps the moisture in the garden and maintains the temperature. The rule of thumb is to keep the mulch a few inches from the plant stems to prevent roots from rotting. 

Prune. Plants that endured the winter will need to be pruned so they’ll freshly grow in the spring. Wait until mid-April or May in case there’s an unexpected freeze. Blooming plants should be pruned before buds begin to break into bloom or you'll stress the tree and get a tiny crop (or possibly none). Summer plants should be pruned in early spring. 

Divide perennials. A good time to divide many perennials is before plants have begun spring growth. 

Perform basic maintenance. Check stonework for frost heaves. Check and clean the deck, pond, fountain, and other equipment now so you don't have to do it later and make any necessary repairs.  

Plant new flowers and shrubs. Once the garden is back in shape and you’ve handled all the old plants, it’s time to add some new plants. Keep in mind that plant availability might vary by location. Some recommendations for good spring plants include: 

  • Pansies 
  • Snapdragons 
  • Vegetables like lettuce, peas, arugula, onions, potatoes, and artichokes 
  • Redbuds 
  • Transplanting tomato plants from indoor pots to outside 
  • Lilacs 
  • Tulips 

Planting more perennials as opposed to annuals is more beneficial because annuals must be replaced every year. Perennials, however, last for two to three years and usually survive winter frosts. 

What about the rest of spring? Once you have completed your early spring garden maintenance, it’s time to plan ahead, and decide what next to do with your garden. Some care is needed so it stays vibrant and beautiful throughout the season. Here are some suggestions for garden maintenance to execute the rest of the season: 

Mid-Spring

  • Build new flowerbeds. This year, consider new flowerbeds and install complementary shrubs offering blooms throughout the season.  
  • Plant hardy annuals. Plant some hardy annuals in your garden. Sow seeds outdoors or transplant seedlings.  
  • Apply mulch. If you mulch now, you'll have next-to-no weeds come summer. 

Late Spring

  • Deadhead bulbs. Remove spent blossoms from spring-flowering bulbs and let foliage die back without removing it.  
  • Go shopping. Pick out flats of your favorite bedding plants and remember to pick ones not yet in bloom for stronger plants.  
  • Prune spring-flowering shrubs. Trim spent blooms and thin out branches that are too thick to rejuvenate older plants. 

Once you have completed your spring plant care you will feel accomplished and have a beautiful place to relax and enjoy your garden!

As you embark on your spring gardening journey, remember that giving your garden some tender loving care not only perks up your plants but also nurtures your own well-being. Engaging in gardening activities outdoors is a wonderful way to stay physically active while finding solace in the process. By following these spring plant care tips, you're not just tending to your garden; you're creating a lush sanctuary where you can unwind and recharge amidst nature's beauty. So, roll up your sleeves, dig in the soil, and let your garden flourish alongside you. Here's to a vibrant and fulfilling spring season ahead! 

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