Spring Gardening Checklist
Spring has finally sprung across the United States and while some gardening enthusiasts are still staring out of their frost-bitten kitchen windows watching for the highly anticipated final frost of winter, others are enjoying all that the springtime sunshine has to offer – gardening being one of the most enjoyable pastimes of them all. In preparation for the warmer weather and longer days, we’ve compiled a handful of tips and tricks to include in your Spring Gardening Checklist.
Prep and Plan
The first task on every spring gardening checklist is to prep the designated area for the upcoming season. Begin my treating and loosening any existing soil and pruning any plants, trees and flowers leftover from the previous season.
Mad about Mulch
Including a layer of mulch to the soil surrounding your precious seedlings can pack a powerful punch and save you time and money later on. Not only does mulch lower the temperature of soil and slow water evaporation, it will also help keep pesky weeds at bay. A simple addition to your soil routine that will reap worthwhile benefits.
Space and Time
Be sure to do your research before heading to your local nursery. The length and width of your garden bed will dictate the number of flower, fruit and vegetable plants that you should purchase and plant. When starting your spring garden, few things are worse than allowing too little space between plants which can limit their growth and threaten the success of your garden. Divide the length and width of your available garden space by the spacing requirements as indicated on the plant’s tags to find out how many of each you can comfortably fit in your garden. Like spacing, timing is crucial to the success of every flourishing garden. Certain vegetables, fruits and flowers are best planted in early spring due to sun and temperature needs.
Perennials and Annuals: The Must Haves of Every Garden
Perennials are plants that are known to live for up to two years, oftentimes without needing to be reseeded or transplanted each season. Popular perennials with flourish during the spring and summer months and die during the late fall and winter months, returning again the following spring/summer from their established root-stock. Be sure to prune as necessary after the last frost of the season.
Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle within a single year. Summer annuals are plants that are best seeded in the spring or early summer and will reach maturity by the autumn months, while winter annuals are plants that are best seeded in the fall and will reach full maturity by the following spring.
Groundcover
In addition to your favorite flowers, fruits and vegetable plants, planting groundcover can be used to expand your garden and add a more robust variety of both color and fragrance. Thyme is a popular groundcover option because of its colorful spring blossoms and everyday use as part of a busy kitchen.
Bird Baths
Now is the time to clean and restock any bird feeders that adorn your garden or patio area.
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