Now that spring has arrived, it’s time to get out in that garden. While the first desire is to put new plants in the ground, there are some smart things People’s Trust recommends you can do to help prepare your lawn and flowerbeds.
Yard Cleanup
The first step before planting and mowing is to walk around your property. Look through your grass and remove any rocks, limbs, toys, or other debris. Cleaning this out now means less work when you’ve got plants that are ready to go into the ground. You can also weed your flowerbeds to help any bulbs or dormant plants return to full bloom this spring.
Mulch and Fertilize
To prepare your lawn for spring, fertilize it! Plants need more nutrients when the weather warms because they go into a full-blown growth mode. For beds where you’re not adding new plants, add a layer of mulch to help trap water and give your plants extra food. Be sure to fertilize near any damaged or brown spots to encourage growth over these areas.
Make Some Room
Before you buy new plants, check your flower beds and other locations to see how much room you have. At this time it’s also good to mark any perennials you have in the ground to avoid overcrowding. Give these perennials room to grow up and out of the earth. When you’re planning for curb appeal, you can also mark the colors of your existing flowers. This can help you match colors and make your garden eye-catching.
Pruning: The One-third Rule
After winter, most shrubs and even some trees in your yard will need pruning. Trim off dead or diseased sections of your plants and try to make cuts above new branches and buds. If you’re unsure about how much to cut back, stick to the common one-third rule – when in doubt, don’t prune back by more than one-third of a branch or plant.
After all of this, you’re ready to get some plants and add new life to your garden. Be sure to use gloves and the proper tools to get everything in the ground, and water very well after the planting is done.