Preparing for Spring
By: Sarah Ward
Cool, wet, winter weather can put a damper on many outdoor activities, but the Winter can be especially dreary for the gardener. While we all dream of warm spring and summer weather, it’s important not to forget all the planning and preparation that goes into a successful planting season. Keeping your eyes set on spring planting will help ensure you have an easy and fruitful season! As spring approaches, here are a few tips to help kick-start the gardening season.
Garden Planning
A successful planting season starts with a plan. Mapping out the layout of your garden and creating a list of plants your garden will include will allow you to adequately plan for purchasing planting materials. When grouping plants, be sure to consider the plant size when fully grown, the amount of shade/light needed, and the environment of the planting area to help your plants thrive in
their ideal conditions.
Weed Garden Spaces
Chances are, your garden beds have grown a weed or two over the winter. Clearing any weeds, old mulch or debris from the garden will help expedite the planting process when spring planting season arrives.
Plan for Seedlings
Starting your seedling schedule is especially important in the early months of the year before spring arrives. Many seeds that will be transplanted in the early summer need to be sprouted in the early spring. Making a list of which plants you will plan to start from seeds will allow you to create a schedule for sprouting and transplanting the seedlings at the appropriate time. Many seed packages include sprouting information on the back of the package, the Farmer’s Almanac is also a valuable resource for determining sprouting and transplanting times.
Prune Shrubs & Trees
It’s essential to prune shrubs and trees in the winter before spring bulbs start sprouting. It is best to start with needled evergreens and broadleaf evergreens, as they are most likely to need maintenance after the harsh winter. Needled evergreens like pine, juniper, and yew should be pruned to
remove dead, damaged or diseased limbs. Boxwoods, hollies, and euonymus should be pruned with the focus of shaping the plant and removing any unwanted branches.
Replenish heavy-use gardening tools
If you haven’t taken a look in your tool shed since last summer, it’s time to take inventory! Gardening tools can take a heavy beating during the planting season, inventory your high-use items such as shovels, hoes, trowels, rakes, pruners, shears, gloves and gardening knives. Ensuring you have the tools you need ahead of time lets you get the exact tools you want and need without fighting crowds or potential supply shortages.
There’s a lot to do to prepare for spring, but no need to worry, our team of experts has your back. As always, we at Cantrell Gardens are here to answer your questions and
guide you in your gardening journey. Stop by Cantrell Gardens to get help with all of your questions and let us guide you on your gardening journey. Give us a call today. Remember to check back next month for more helpful tips and tricks. Happy planting!
