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Have you been daydreaming of a flourishing backyard garden? Well, you may not be planting seeds yet, but there are still things you can do to prepare for the success of your spring garden. Check out our 15 simple things you can do to get ready for spring planting!
15 Ways to Get a Jump Start on Your Garden
1.) Plan the Layout of Your Garden. Get a piece of paper and make a simple drawing of how you want to organize your garden. For instance, you should plant your green beans and tomatoes in an area of your garden that receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight. Alternatively, put your lettuce and kale in an area that gets several hours of shade.
2.) Create Labels. Take some time to make labels for each type of flower or vegetable you plan to put in your garden. Plus, shop for decorative sticks you can attach to the labels. I type my garden labels on my laptop using a large, beautiful font. Next, I print them using color ink and laminate them so they stay in good condition all season.
3.) Checkout the Seed Catalog. Look at a selection of seeds for those you’d like to plant this spring. Choose some flowers or vegetables you’ve never planted before.
4.) Plant Some Seedlings. Fill some small containers with soil and plant seedlings. Put them in a sunny kitchen window and watch them start to grow. By the time spring arrives, hopefully sooner rather than later, they will be ready to be transplanted into the garden.
5.) Go to a Seed Swap. Check the websites of some local gardening clubs to see if you can find an upcoming seed swap. Take along some seed packets you don’t plan to use and swap them for seeds you’d like to plant this spring.
6.) Clean and Sharpen Gardening Tools. Keeping your tools clean and sharp makes your work in the garden a lot more efficient. Don’t forget to clean the handles of your gardening tools and check their condition before the prepping and planting season.
7.) Organize Your Garden Shed. Take an opportunity to look at the set up in your garden shed and make changes that will help you find tools more easily.
8.) Check the Condition of Your Garden Structures. Do you have a little trellis or fence around your garden? Look at its condition to determine whether it needs any repairs. This helps you to set the scene for a successful spring garden!
9.) Visit the Garden Store. Take advantage of the low prices on gardening accessories before the prices go up for spring.
10.) Boost Your Gardening Knowledge. Visit your local library and read up on some flowers or vegetables you haven’t worked with. Learn how much sunlight, water, and soil they need to thrive.
11.) Think About Recipes. If you want to make a lot of salads this summer, think about what you want to put in them. If you like a lot of cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers, then make sure you plant those in your garden. Planning gives you lots of ideas for healthy meals in spring and summer.
12.) Remove Debris from Your Garden. Get the leaves, dead plants and sticks out of your garden. You want to make sure you have a tidy garden before starting to plant in the spring.
13.) Look for Local Farmer’s Markets. Make it a point to support your local farmers by purchasing your tomato plants, petunias and more at the farmer’s market.
14.) Attend a Gardening Lecture. Check the newsletter of your local library to see if there are any lectures being given by gardening experts. Learning about new gardening techniques and ideas can give a boost to your own spring garden.
15.) Make Plans for Your Veggies. If you grow a bountiful vegetable garden each year make arrangements to donate some of your veggies to a local homeless shelter or food pantry. Share the rewarding results of your gardening efforts with others.
So, get ready to garden and I’ll talk to you soon again. – Ava