If you are anything like me, your anxious to get back outside. After being stuck inside trying to stay warm. I’m sure we are all ready for the sun to grace us with her warm smile.
Well I have good news. Raise your trowels in the air and we’ll burst into battle…..the battle that is preparing our spring garden beds. With all jokes aside we really can start prepping our garden beds. As winter begins to wind down, it’s the perfect time to prepare your garden for a great growing season. Getting a head start on cleaning up and organizing your space now will set yourself up for a smoother, more successful spring planting season. Let’s get into it!
Rake It Till You Make It
First things first, let’s start by cleaning up any leftover debris from the fall and winter months. Any fallen leaves, dead plants, and branches all need to go. They create hiding spots for pests and harbor diseases. That would definitely put a damper come spring time when all you want to do is plant your tomato babies. So rake up leaves and remove any dead plant material from garden beds and pathways. Compost what you can and discard the rest. Not all plants are meant to be composted. You also don’t want any diseased or pest-infested material to infect healthy plants later.
Pot-ential Cleanliness Awaits
Time to clean out your pots and containers from last season. Scrub them with warm, soapy water (yes, pots get dirty, too) and disinfect them with a bleach solution to prevent any lingering pests or diseases. Plus, it’s always nice to start the season with a fresh slate—no one likes a plant holding on to last year’s bad vibes.
Let’s Cut To The Chase
If you have trees, shrubs or perennials. Now is a great time to prune them back. Prune away any dead, diseased, or damaged branches before new growth starts in the spring. Make sure to clean your tools if you are working with diseased plants. You don’t transfer anything to your healthy plants.
Ready, Set, Sharpen!
Just like most of our waistlines, your garden tools have also been neglected and forgotten about over the winter. Take the time to clean, sharpen, and oil them. Getting this done before the busy planting season means you won’t have to stop to do this later, allowing you to focus on your task at hand. Shovels, hoes, pruners, and gardening forks all need sharp edges to complete your tasks in a timely manner. Don’t forget to clean the rust spots, and when you’re done cleaning them, store them in a dry area so they stay ready until you need them.
Bracing For A Stronger Garden
Now is a good time to inspect, repair or add any garden structures. Check your raised beds, fences, or trellises and make sure they haven’t been damaged over the winter months. Make sure raised beds are level and intact, so they’ll be ready for planting.
Soil Your Hands Not Your Plans
You might notice weeds starting to emerge as late winter transitions into early spring. Now is a perfect time to tackle those unwanted weeds. Making your gardening efforts much easier before they have a chance to spread. consider lightly tilling or turning the soil within your garden beds. This practice can enhance aeration and facilitate improved drainage. However, if the ground remains too frozen or saturated, it’s best to patiently wait until the soil becomes workable.
Since you’re already digging your hands into the earth, this is also an opportune moment to amend your soil. Quality soil is essential for a thriving garden, so now is an excellent time to analyze its characteristics. Assess the pH level and nutrient content. Based on your findings, you can enhance the soil by adding compost, organic materials, or soil conditioners. Getting ahead start stage allows sufficient time to decompose and blend into the soil. Ensuring it’s fully prepared for planting season.
Digging Into Your Garden Blueprint
It’s still be cold out, there might even be snow on the ground where you live. That doesn’t mean you can’t plan out this years successful harvest. Reflect on what worked for you last year and take that into consideration. Make notes of new plants or varieties you want to try and make sure you have all your seeds purchased. Planning ahead helps prevent overcrowding but also ensures you make the most of the space available. I like to draw out my plans and also use the “Planter” app. Doing both help me achieve a great layout and also space everything out accordingly.
Sowing the Seeds of Success
Your local climate plays a crucial role in determining when you can begin planting. Depending on what zone your in, you might find yourself able to plant cold-hardy crops quite early in the season. For instance, last year, I had great success growing broccoli and lettuce ahead of schedule by utilizing crop covers to protect them from chilly temperatures. Also, if you have the space available, starting seeds indoors can be an excellent way to get a jump on your gardening endeavors. Embracing these early planting strategies can lead to a fruitful harvest before traditional planting times arrive.
A Final Sprout
With these helpful suggestions, you can set yourself up for a fruitful and satisfying growing season. It’s an ideal opportunity to get a jump start on your spring garden. So when the time is right, you can get straight to planting! Slip on those gardening gloves, embrace the earth, and get ready to witness your garden thrive along with your gardening skills. Enjoy the joys of gardening!
Remember, gardening isn’t a race. It’s not about achieving perfection; it’s about having fun, watching things grow, nourishing your body and learning along the way. Enjoy the sunshine, take a moment to breathe in the fresh air and maybe even stop for a cup of tea while you work. Your garden will thank you for it—especially once it’s all spruced up and ready to burst into life