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It happens every year. One day it’s blustery, bleak, and cold, and the next it’s warm and sunny. You want to begin spring gardening, but you didn’t prepare like you should have. What do you do? It’s easy.
Spring gardening can be a fun and relaxing activity, especially
if it’s done correctly. By following these simple tips, you will
make the most out of spring gardening.
The first step to spring gardening is sharpening your tools. Go
early and have all your tools, such as shovels, hoes, and
pruning shears sharpened to a fine edge.
You may even want to splurge on buying a second, well-sharpened
blade for your lawnmower. That way you will have a spare if the
one currently on your lawnmower needs to be taken to be
sharpened. A sharp mower blade is very important is you want to
have a beautiful lawn. Dull blades can injure your grass and
allow disease to creep in, which can be costly in the long run
to correct.
If you plan to put in a new lawn or plant bed, or if you had
problems getting things to grow properly last year, you may
want to call for soil testing. A soil test will tell you
exactly what type of fertilizers and/or soil conditioners are
needed to assure your yard looks the best it can.
A very helpful tip for spring gardening, especially if you need
a little help getting your yard into shape, is contacting
landscaping professionals early. The later in the season you
call, the better your chances are of having to be put on a
waiting list.
You may also want to make arrangements early to buy sod or for
sod delivery if you plan to put in a new lawn. You should
choose only moist rolls. Any that have dry roots or yellowed
turf are no good.
Keeping a journal is a great way to keep track of plants during
spring gardening. You can write down what was a success last
year, what was a failure, and what plants should be moved with
the change of seasons. It will not only prove useful this year,
but also next year when you may not remember all of the small
details.
A definite must is throwing away any outdated chemicals [this includes organic mixtures which are past their useby date. ed.].
Following the instructions are the label are easy. Also check
to make sure those you are keeping are stored where children
and pets cannot get to them.
Tilling the soil where you plan to begin your spring gardening
is important. Your soil should contain no ice crystals.
Handfuls of the soil should easily crumble.
When should you begin planting? This frequently asked question
can easily be answered. Weather, soil conditions, and what you
are going to plant are the answers.
Lastly, while engaging in spring gardening you have to remember
to prune. Since, for some plants, the flowers that will come up
next year have set within 10 days of the end of a bloom, timing
is very important.
Now that you know what to do, your spring gardening won’t be so
much of a chore, but more of a pleasure.
©2005 Claire Quaty. All rights reserved.
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