It’s officially spring, and that means that, for gardeners, it’s time for another season of preparing, planting, and tending flowers and crops. There are a few simple bits of maintenance that you will want to perform before your season begins, as they will ensure that your garden grows at its best. Even if it’s too early to bring in your plants of choice, you can attend to these chores beforehand and get a jump start on your gardening season.
Replace Mulch
If you’re using a type of mulch that does not compost well, remove it before laying a new layer. If it has already begun to sink into the soil, leave the former layer and add another on top of it. It’s best to use this time to add fertilizer as well so that your plants will receive the maximum amount of nutrients. If your soil is very dry or otherwise lacking in essential qualities for plant growth, you can also purchase enriched soil to mix in with your own before you begin planting your garden.
Repair Walls, Stones, Etc.
Has one side of a brick wall started to cave in? Do you have stones that are cracking or broken? Did last year’s trellis become too weak to support the plants growing on it? It’s best to repair and replace these things before bringing in plants, so that there is no risk of damage to them while moving things in or out. You can also use this time to repaint, add new decorations, and perform other basic maintenance.
Prune Existing Plants & Pull Weeds
If any of your plants are perennials, chances are that they will need some trimming after the sold winter season. Weeds also often work their way into gardens once the prime season is over, and by the time spring returns, you will probably have several that need to be pulled. You’ll likely have to perform these tasks before planting your current crop, since you won’t have room for new plants before the old ones are tended or removed.
Tools
Garden tools are often stored outside and subjected to the elements, and over time, they can rust, break, or otherwise become unusable. Replace shears, spades, shovels, and other necessary tools at the beginning of the season, and you’ll be able to use them for the entire life of your garden. Don’t forget personal care items such as gloves, sunglasses, and hats. It may also pay to purchase extra supplies to have on hand in case of unexpected circumstances.
Getting ready for your spring garden to begin with can help you enjoy your backyard for the entire season. Prepare now and your garden will be beautiful all year long. And if you need a sturdy fence to surround your garden, we at Central Fence have got you covered.