Preparing your garden for spring! What tasks do you need to consider when spring is just around the corner? Spring’s whisper is always a call to action for garden enthusiasts. Often, we find ourselves exclaiming, “Is it that time already?” While the season’s warmth and stirring life are thrilling, it’s essential to be prepped and primed for it. Let’s embark on this gardening journey together!
Reflecting on Yesteryears
One of the essential things I have found to help me prepare my garden for spring is a gardening diary. Maintain a gardening diary; it’s invaluable to your garden journey. Often, what we sowed and reaped last season slips from memory come spring. From weather patterns to fruitful harvests, jot down everything. If you missed out on keeping a record last year, start now. It becomes an invaluable reference for you.
Some of my recent learnings:
I discovered two tomato varieties that are now my absolute favorites.
A mere duo of tomatillo plants overwhelmed me with their yield.
Raised gutters worked wonders for strawberries.
This year, I aim to enrich vegetable beds with flowers and herbs, enticing pollinators while elevating aesthetics.
Laying Out the Blueprint
Spontaneity is fun, but in gardening, strategy is key. Last year, amidst the sea of tomatoes, peppers, and root veggies, I felt the lack of organization. This year, I’ll harness the power of garden layouts, using grids to meticulously plan placements, ensuring crop rotation and optimal space utilization. If you’re seeking design inspiration, Better Homes and Gardens offers a plethora of garden plans.
Embrace the Calendar
Time is of the essence in gardening. Syncing your activities with a calendar aids in tracking seed sowing and transplant dates. The Farmer’s Almanac provides a fantastic tool that informs you about frost dates based on your location. Also, consider investing in books like “The Week By Week Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook” to streamline activities.
Deciphering Seed Mathematics
Determining seed quantity is tricky. However, websites like morningchores.com provide calculators to gauge the number of plants required for your desired harvest.
Sourcing Seeds
Those enchanting seed catalogs, arriving amidst winter’s chill, evoke dreams of verdant gardens. Having used the seed calculator, you’re poised to make informed choices. Make sure you order in winter to sow in spring.
Gear Up
Assess your gardening arsenal. Clean, sharpen, and, if needed, replace tools. Also, revisit your seed collection to discern what’s missing.
Pre-Planting Checklist
Enrich the soil with compost mulch a few weeks in advance.
Turn soil regularly to deter weed growth.
Early spring is perfect for pruning.
Conduct soil tests to ensure it has the right pH and nutrient balance.
If you’re mulling over raised beds or planters, now’s the time.
Install trellises and arches pre-planting. This year, I’m experimenting with arched trellises for some beds.
Never Stop Learning
Gardening offers a perennial learning curve. Each year, I immerse myself in literature, exploring hybrids and age-old wisdom. Gardening expos, like Seattle’s annual Northwest Flower and Garden Show, are treasure troves of insights, networking opportunities, and novel ideas.
In Summation
Proactive planning and diligent preparation set the stage for a thriving garden. Let’s embrace spring with open arms and flourishing gardens! And if you are thinking of fall chores, here is a post for you outlining a fall garden guide.