Warmer days are on their way, finally, which means it’s time to start thinking about spring cleanup and preparing garden beds for new growth. Here are a few guidelines that will help put you on the right path to having the best garden in the neighborhood.
Don’t…
Start your garden clean up when the ground is too soft. If the soil is still moist from the winter, you will be compacting the soil everywhere you and your wheelbarrow go. If it is truly muddy, the aftermath of your foot traffic could result in uneven ground, squished or exposed roots, and new puddling areas. Sure, you’re itching to get outside and play in the dirt, but if your garden spot is still soaked, wait.
Do…
Cut back all those perennials and tall native grasses from last year. Shear back the grasses with your Sun Joe SharperBlade Electric Stringless Trimmer/Edger from Buydig.com, leaving only 4 to 6 inches left. Cut back perennials and remove all the dead seasonal plants. Take all the dead plant matter and add it to your compost heap.
Don’t…
Go hacking away at your woody perennials in an effort to neaten them up. Some species bloom on last year’s wood, others bloom on the current year’s wood. Prune your hardy evergreen hedges and have a go at any deciduous hedges that have become overgrown through the last growing season. You can also prune back any winter flowering shrubs that have finished flowering. Before taking pruning action with your Sun Joe Electric Trimmer, or tackling the even bigger jobs with your electric chainsaw, do your research and ensure that you aren’t chopping off the buds of spring flowers.
D0…
Compost as much of your debris as possible making your own organic matter to put back in the garden. Some weedy species should not be incorporated into the pile as they will likely reseed themselves. If your compost is well balanced and hot enough then weed seeds don’t stand a chance. But if you’re worried about the seeds of a certain plant coming back, just don’t take the chance.
Don’t…
Plant trees and shrubs too deeply. Spring’s cool, moist conditions make it the perfect time to add trees and shrubs to your yard. The root flare, where the roots meet the trunk, should be at or just above the soil level.
Do…
Spread mulch on your perennial beds in the spring. Use the Sun Joe Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder from Buydig.com to make mulch with the clippings from your pruning. This will help keep a consistent soil temperature, regulate moisture, and ward off weeds. It will also add nutrients to your soil as the mulch decomposes.
Putting some time in up front can make things a lot easier down the road and set you up for a successful gardening season. So spend some time following these spring gardening tips, and you’ll see the results all year long.
Leave a Reply