Whether you live in a state that digs gardening or have an exponentially green thumb–warmer temperatures and chirping birds mean that spring is in the air. Spring is a busy season for gardeners and it is a very important time to make sure that you have a garden prepped for fruitful success. Check out the following tips on how to prepare your garden this spring:
1. Clear the Area
If you are like most gardeners, there is a chance that there was a tool left behind during the harvest rush last fall. Look over your garden for anything that would delay your gardening season this year. Return forgotten tools to the shed and clear the soil of any leftover plant tags or broken wiring. Make sure that tomato cages and climbing wire are in good shape as well. Take a good look around your garden to make sure that the soil is clear and ready for work.
2. Mend the Fence
Many homeowners require a fence around their garden area to keep pesky animals away. Spring is the perfect time to look over your fencing and fix any problem areas from last year. Don’t let an entire bed of lettuce go to waste by choosing to overlook that hole in the fence. Also look over trellis’ and gates to make sure that everything is ready to use come planting season.
3. Test the Soil
Different plants can add to or remove key nutrients from the soil. Start off spring by testing each area of your garden to make sure that the soil is primed and ready to receive plants. If you find that your soil needs some help, add fertilizer or check with your local hardware store for easy ways to feed the soil. Check the pH level of the soil as well to make sure that it won’t harm seedlings.
4. Make a Map
No matter if your garden is large or small, having a map of where you plan to plant certain items will help ensure an enjoyable time in the garden. Read the seed packets to know how much space each plant needs in order to plan where it should go in your garden. If there was an area of your garden that was particularly wet last year, consider planting something there that will thrive in wetter soil conditions. Don’t get overwhelmed on planting day by not knowing where to plant something or running out of room. Sketch out your garden beforehand to make your gardening more efficient.
5. Clean Your Tools
Gardening tools are the workhorses of a successful gardening season. Does your shovel need a new handle? Could you use a new rake that isn’t missing tongs? Is there a hole in your favorite pair of gardening gloves? Go through your tools now to make sure that everything is in proper working order. If you find that you need to replace an item, or you want to add a new gardening item, check your local hardware store for sales on garden tools this time of year. Make sure that you have the right tools before you start in your garden to cut down on wasted time.
Gardening is a great hobby to have and it can easily provide beauty and tranquility to your outdoor space. Take time now to clear the area, mend the fence, and make a plan for plants that you want to add to your garden. Test the garden soil and clean your tools in order to get a head start on a successful gardening season.
Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.
