by Mario Carini

Created on: July 20, 2008   Last Updated: April 03, 2011

After a season of hibernation in the warm comfort of home everyone looks forward to the warmth of the spring sun as it gains strength and melts away the last snows of another cold and long winter.

Spring is the time for a fresh start of garden work. But before the crocus bloom you should have planned ahead as to what you want for your garden and prepare for it. February to March are good times to order in the seeds you need. They'll arrive in time for the planting season. Where is the best place to put in a garden? Plants don't have the same requirements for sun, water and care so you may need to plan for two or three beds around the house at different locations.

Once the snow has melted you can then begin the real garden work. Here's a quick list of what you should be doing in the spring to insure that your garden flowers and prospers with produce.

1.If you have planned ahead one of the first things to do is have a look at your tools and your existing garden beds. Trellises, arbors and containers may need to be repainted or repaired. Spring is the best time to address these tasks. Good gardening requires the right tools. Replace rusted tools. Shears and spades need to be cleaned and sharpened. Check your lawnmower. The blades may need sharpening and the oil changed. Check for frayed electrical wiring and for holes in your hoses.

2.Remove any protective coverings from evergreens and shrubs. Take a little more time before removing coverings from planting beds and roses until the danger of frost is well past.

3.Prepare the soil. Remove any dead matter and rake any leaves from your garden bed. Hand pull any weeds as digging may uproot tubers, bulbs and perennial plants. It also helps new plants get established before new weeds arrive. Aerate the soil. If you have a large garden patch till the ground and work in some compost and fertilize specifically for the kind of plants you want to put in. Wait for the soil to dry before tilling.

4.Check your garden center for new plant varieties you'd like to buy for your garden.

5.Fertilize your trees and shrubs. Spring rain helps to carry the nutrients into the roots. Plant any new shrubs and trees as soon as the soil is workable. Reseed any damaged areas of your lawn and use slow release fertilizer.

6.Spring is the best time to make any modifications before the growing season starts. Irrigation, lighting, relocation of plants are best done in the spring.

7.Some vegetable seeds need cold weather to germinate. Plant carrots,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>