Preparation of the spring garden may seem overwhelming, but decompose it into manageable tasks can make all the difference. I share my favorite techniques to help you revitalize your garden after winter and define the basics of a lush and healthy outdoor space that you will love to spend time.
As time heats up and the days are developing, it's time to roll up our sleeves and prepare our outdoor spaces for the growth season. Whether you are a experienced gardener or just start, give your perennials, shrubs and lawn, special attention will now pay dividends throughout summer months.
Random your perennial plants for new growth
Eliminate winter debris
Start by walking in your garden and inspect your perennials for any dead or damaged equipment from the previous growth season. This initial cleaning is like giving a new start to your garden, allowing new growth to go out without hindrance.
Using a pair of clean and sophisticated shears or scissors, carefully cut the rods and dead leaves, cutting them at the base of the plant or just above any new growth you see. I like to keep a small bucket with me while I work to collect all the fittings – it makes cleaning so much easier!
If you notice sick or moldy parts, be sure to eliminate them correctly (not in your compost pile) to avoid the spread of health with healthy plants. In addition, eliminate all the leaves or debris that has broken down surrounding the plants to reduce the risk of parasites and mold.
Divide overcrowded plants
For perennial plants which have become too large or have become overcrowded, spring is the ideal moment to divide them. This process not only helps to rejuvenate plants by giving them more space to cultivate, but also allows you to create new plantations elsewhere in your garden – free plants, anyone?
Discover the plant gently and separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each has a healthy quantity of roots and growth. I find that sometimes you can simply separate the sections with your hands, while other plants may need to be cut with a sharp knife or a garden brewing.
Replant these divisions in the soil prepared, adding compost or organic matter to give them a strong start. Sprinkle completely after planting to help them settle and recover from the division process.
The advantages of the sustainable interview of spring
The advantages of cleaning perennial plants extend far beyond aesthetics. Cleaning dead materials reduces the risk of pests and diseases that could damage your garden later in the season. It also encourages perennials to concentrate their energy on the production of strong and healthy growth, which causes more robust plants with better flowers or foliage.
By taking the time to clean your perennials in the spring, you define the bases of a lush and flourishing garden which will bring color and beauty to your outdoor space for the coming months.
Sweating shrubs and bushes for form and health
Remove damaged growth
Start by examining each shrub or bush for all dead, sick or damaged branches. These must be eliminated first because they can weaken the plant and make it more vulnerable to pests or diseases.
Use clean and sharp shears to make precise cuts, ensuring that you remove the branch just above a healthy bud or to the point where it meets another branch. Avoid tearing or leaving the shredded edges, as it may insist on the plant and slow down its recovery.
I always make sure to take a step back and assess the plant after having removed a few branches – it is easy to get carried away by pruning, and sometimes the less it is more!
Shape the circulation of air and light
Once the unhealthy branches have been removed, focus on the formation of the plant. Plice to maintain an open structure, allowing sunlight and air to reach the interior branches. This step is particularly important for shrubs subject to infestations of mold or pests.
Remove any crossed crossing or overcrowded branches that block the air flow or rub against each other. If your shrubs or bushes have invaded their space, reduce them to create a controlled and controlled appearance while taking care not to cut too much at the same time, which can shock the plant.
Timer your pruning for maximum flowers
For flower shrubs, timing is crucial. Twir of early flowering varieties, such as Lilas or Forsythia, immediately after their flower to avoid cutting the buds for next season. For late flowering shrubs, such as hydrangeas or butterfly bushes, pruning in early spring before the start of new growth is ideal.
Look for the specific needs of your plants to make sure you are setting the right time for optimal results. I keep a small garden journal to follow when different plants flourish and when I should cut them – it removes the process of the process!
The advantages of strategic pruning
The advantages of pruning go beyond aesthetics. The elimination of damaged or sick branches reduces the risk of propagation problems to healthy parts of the plant. A well -developed shrub or bush channels its energy to produce vibrant flowers, lush foliage or robust branches, depending on its goal in your landscape.
In addition, pruning helps plants maintain a balanced size, preventing them from eclipizing the other characteristics of the garden or the encroachment of trails and outdoor spaces. By devoting time to this task every spring, you will create a healthier and more visually attractive site that thrives throughout the growth season.
Prepare your lawn for a lush season
Evaluate the needs of your lawn
Start by assessing the current state of your lawn. Look for naked or slimming stains, uneven color or signs of wear. Before adding fertilizer, test your soil to determine its level of pH and its nutrient composition. This will help you choose the right fertilizer for the specific needs of your lawn.
Most equipment or garden centers offer simple floor test kits, or you can send a sample to your local extension service for analysis. Once you know what your soil needs, select a fertilizer rich in nutrients it lacks, like nitrogen for lush growth or potassium to improve the strength of the roots.
Fertilization at the right time
To fertilize, wait until the grass begins to grow actively, generally when daytime temperatures regularly reach 55 ° F. Use a spreader to distribute the fertilizer evenly on your lawn. Walk rows that overlap to ensure complete coverage and avoid applying too much in an area, as it can burn the grass.
After propagating the fertilizer, slightly water your lawn to help it absorb in the ground and reach the base. If the rain is in forecasts, even better – that nature is watering for you!
Overvaluation for a thick and uniform lawn
Overcoming is the next step to fill bare spots and create a thicker and more uniform lawn. Choose a mixture of grass seeds suitable for your climate and the existing grass type.
Start by mowing your lawn at a shorter and raating height to eliminate debris and loosen the ground. This creates a good surface for seeds to contact the soil directly. Spread the seeds uniformly on the lawn using a seed spreader or by hand for small areas. Pay additional attention to thin or bald spots, applying a little more seeds in these areas.
Nourish new growth
After sowing, slightly rake the lawn to mix the seeds in the ground, then the water gently but carefully. Keep the soil constantly wet for the next two to three weeks to encourage germination. Avoid pedestrian traffic of this period to give the news the best chance to settle.
I like to install small panels or markers to remind the members of the family to stay outside the newly sown areas – it's incredible how fast we forget where we have just placed seeds!
Gather all of this: your spring garden control list
Spring Garden Prep does not need to be overwhelming. By breaking it down by these three main areas – perinal, shrubs and lawn – you can attack each section at your own pace. Here is a quick control list to help you stay organized:
- Clean and divide perennial plants
- Tarl and bushes
- Test the floor and fertilize the lawn
- Overexplored the naked spots
- Maintain constant watering for new growth
Take these steps now will reward you with a dynamic and healthy garden that you can enjoy all season. Remember that gardening does not concern perfection – it is a question of creating spaces that bring you joy and connect you with nature.
Whether you have a sprawling court or just a few container plants, these spring maintenance tasks will help your external space prosper. And there is nothing like sitting by a hot summer evening, drinking by hand, admiring the fruits of your spring work.
Have you ever started your preparation in the spring garden? What tasks do you first attack first? I would love to hear about your approach in the comments below!
