You might refer to your garden as your “spring garden,” but that doesn’t mean the work starts in spring. For many gardeners, planning and preparations for spring planting activity begins in winter. The weather outside may be wintery and cold, but the work you do today will support your efforts this spring. Starting now can save you time, energy, money and can make your spring garden that much more beautiful. If you wait, you could be too late. Here’s what you need to know about planning for your upcoming garden this spring.
Plan Your Beds
Garden beds require a lot of materials and often require effort on the part of the gardener, so starting early ensures that your beds will be ready when it’s time to sow seeds and plant.
Plan Beds, Size and Placement
For some homeowners, one of the hardest parts about planning the beds is deciding where to put them. First on the to-do list is deciding whether you have space. Remember to consider your garden bed placement from every angle, including how the garden bed’s placement will impact lawn maintenance (will you have enough space to mow around it?) and how it will impact the appearance of your home.
Once you’ve decided where to put your garden bed, spend some time observing that part of your lawn during the day to ensure your beds will get enough sun throughout the day. Record the amount of daylight that part of your lawn receives on a typical sunny afternoon. Remember that partial-shade garden beds can work, but you’ll have to choose your specimens carefully.
Make diagrams of your lawn to show the position and placement of your beds. This will help you remember your plans as you purchase garden beds and materials later on.
Peruse Seed Catalogs
Starting plants from seeds can save a lot of money, but you’ll have to get your start early, or the seeds won’t have enough time to grow. Peruse seed catalogs by early- to mid-winter to decide which plants you’d like to grow from seed. To determine when the seeds need to be planted, count backward from your last frost date. Remember that some seeds get planted much earlier than others.
Buy Supplies
Start purchasing gardening supplies, including materials for garden beds, seeds, soil, fertilizer and more. Make lists as you’re planning your beds to avoid missing anything important.
Tidy Up Flower Beds
Start pulling weeds from your flower beds and remove detritus from the previous growing season. Scatter mulch over the soil to prevent erosion and protect the roots of plants with cold sensitivity.
Plant Seeds Indoors
Plant your seeds in small containers indoors. Use seedling heat mats and grow lights to provide your seeds with the proper conditions for growth. Light applications of fertilizer can help seeds grow but be careful not to over-fertilize or burn your seedlings delicate roots.
Prepare the Soil
Do a soil test to find out what your soil lacks. This will give you direction when you’re fertilizing plants later this year. Find out the pH as well, as the soil pH can have a big impact on plants that need acidic or basic soils.
Top off your raised garden beds with additional soil and churn the soil to aerate. Mix compost into the soil to fertilize and prepare for seeds.
Get Started, Prepare Your Soil Now
Prepare your soil for the upcoming spring by purchasing soil from a reputable provider. Contact Keleny Top Soil today to get started with your late winter soil order!