Tips for Planning and/or Planting Your Springtime Garden

Spring has finally sprung and that means bright blooms, fresh air, and warmer temperatures. As we thaw out from the winter season, you may be refreshing your home for the new season ahead.

That means spring cleaning the kitchen cabinets and pantry, spring cleaning your body through food, and wiping down all surfaces with a DIY organic cleaning spray. Maybe you are even planning that family spring break or trying out some new springtime recipes with fresh herbs from your winter windowsill garden.

Speaking of gardens, this is also a great time to begin planning (or evening planting) that springtime garden. Here are eight easy tips for you to consider if you plan on planting a garden this year.

#1 Consider What You Want to Plant

One of the best places to start when planning a springtime garden is asking yourself the question, “What do you want to plant?” Do you want beautiful blooms with fresh flowers? How about some delicious herbs or hearty vegetables?

If you choose to plant herbs and vegetables, make sure you select ones you and your family will actually eat or at least be willing to try. If you are going the floral route, decide whether you want to plant annuals that bloom most of the summer but need to be replanted each spring, or perhaps you prefer perennials that have a shorter bloom time but return year after year, which means only planting once.

You will also want to consider the climate in which you live, which will greatly impact which flowers, plants, and vegetables are the best options for your yard.

#2 Decide on the Best Spot

Next, you will want to decide on the best garden spot to plant. What makes for a good garden spot? Somewhere that is relatively flat so you are not dealing with a sloping garden and somewhere that has easy access to a water source so you can water your garden without any problems.

You will also want a sunny spot as many types of flowers and veggies need an ample amount of sunlight each day. Take note of which spots in your yard receive the most sunlight throughout the day. When purchasing plants, check their tags to see how much sunlight they need to thrive, or ask a staff member at your local garden center if you have questions.

#3 Clear the Ground

Now it is time to clear the ground where your garden will go and grow. Expose the ground so you can plant, which means pulling any weeds and in some cases, removing grass and/or sod.

According to Better Homes & Gardens, if you want quick results, cut it out. For example, if it is already spring and you want your veggies by this summer, slice under the sod with a spade. Then, cut the sod into sections to make it easier to remove.

#4 Get to Know Your Soil

This step is completely unnecessary, but if you really want to dig into the health of your future garden further, get your soil tested. Contact your country cooperative extension office to learn more or look for a DIY test kit you can use yourself at home.

The results may not be as detailed, but they will give you a good idea of what nutrients your soil may be lacking and how to amend it. Oh and do not worry, Better Homes & Gardens says that most residential soil almost always needs a little bit of a boost, especially in new construction where the topsoil may have been stripped away.

#5 Know the Right Time to Plant

If you are growing your garden straight from seeds, always read the seed packet information so you know the right depth to plant as well as the proper planting time, and the right spacing. You can also purchase young plants from your local farmers market or garden center that you can easily transplant into the ground of your garden.

#6 Protect with Mulch

Another good gardening tip, though optional, is to lay down some mulch. A couple of inches of mulch will help keep weeds out and moisture in. By preventing sunlight from hitting the soil, you will ultimately prevent weed seeds from germinating. Plus, you will not have to water as often. Just make sure not to mulch over seeds you want to grow or they may not germinate.

#7 Regularly Water

According to Better Homes & Gardens, seedlings should never be allowed to dry out, so be sure to water them daily. It may even be best to set an alarm or calendar reminder on your phone so you do not forget to water. You can water less frequently as the plants grow larger and need less constant care.

Transplants also need frequent watering, usually every other day or so, at least until their roots become established. After that, how often you need to water depends on a few factors including humidity levels, rainfall, and the soil, though once a week is a good place to start.

#8 Maintain

Once your garden is planted, it is time to enjoy whatever you planted and maintain. That means:

• Banishing destructive insects in natural ways.
• Getting rid of dead, diseased, and dying vegetation.
• Harvesting vegetables as soon as they are ready for picking.
• Keeping critters out.
• Pulling weeds before they go to seed.
• Supporting tall plants (such as tomatoes) with a stake, trellis, or a tepee.
• Watering plants before they wilt.

Last but certainly not least, enjoy the fruits of your labor! Stop and smell the flowers or pick them and make them into a beautiful bouquet for your home or give them to a neighbor. Use those fresh herbs as a garnish to a homemade cocktail or mocktail, and use those vegetables to create a delicious meal.

Do not forget to share the beauty and bounty with family, friends, and neighbors, and enjoy everything your very own backyard garden has to offer this spring and summer season. Happy planting!

Transform your garden and home into a captivating oasis with Ashley’s expert tips and tricks. When it’s time to bring that beauty inside, don’t miss out on our vast array of products that can be conveniently delivered to your doorstep at www.grasslandbeef.com. For even more inspiring content, check out our Discover Blog today!

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