Spring is here, but the temperatures are still a bit chilly, so we have to be careful about placing out tender annuals or turning the water back on for outdoor taps and hoses. But there are some things we can do — things we should be doing to prepare for spring.
Work in your garden or beds when the soil is dry. You don’t want to compact the soil by walking on it or form hard clods by trying to dig or till too early. Test your soil’s readiness by scooping up a handful and squeezing it into a ball. Drop the ball from about waist-high. If it shatters, it’s probably dry enough to work. If the ball stays intact, move on to some other garden chores for now.
Weeds pop up fast in lawns and gardens once the temperatures rise, so take care of them right away. Be kind to the earth and use only the products that target your particular problem, and read and follow product directions carefully.
For organic weed control, use landscape fabric or mulch that blocks as much sunlight as possible. Later on, you can cut “X’s” in the fabric to make room for your plants.
If the soil is dry enough to move around in your garden, remove the old winter mulch. If it’s decomposing, and it’s free of weed seeds it’s fine to work it into your soil to help improve it. Replace where needed with fresh mulch. Don’t forget mulching your shrubs and trees, as well, to help conserve moisture once hot weather arrives.
Prune your fruit trees before they bud out.
Start seeds of tomatoes, peppers and other heat-loving plants indoors. The seed packet will tell you how many weeks in advance to
Prune your spring-flowering shrubs after the blooms are finished.
Change the oil and spark plugs in your lawn mower. Sharpen the blade with a metal file, or take it to a hardware store to have it done.
Clean your garden pots with baking soda, water and a stiff brush, and rinse them thoroughly. Let the pots drain and air dry before using them.
After your spring bulbs finish, let the foliage die back naturally before removing it. Don’t cut it, braid or tie it. The bulbs soak up the sunshine in their leaves, which provides the energy for next year’s flowers.
Consider installing a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses. They will deliver water to plants more efficiently than overhead sprinklers, and you will be happy you have them if rain is scarce.
Take notes on the plants in your garden, or photograph them so you can rotate your crops next year, and note the dates you planted, so you’ll know when your harvest should be ready. Include notes on plant care, or save the tags from the plants, as well.
Spring is on the way! Happy gardening!
THE 905 REAL ESTATE GUYS
info@905realestateguys.com
Sean Kavanagh 905.220.9198
Leo Manchisi 905.334.9650