Planning Your Springtime Garden

There is just no other time of the year like it. Watching the shades of grey that have been around us all winter, slowly surrender their struggle to the warmer embraces of spring, and then summer. For those of us in the northern states, this may well be more pronounced than for our southern neighbors, but the mood is nevertheless the same.

Shedding what was and creating a beautiful, exciting space that freshens up the pathways of the new, the season of spring has inspired everyone from Shakespear to Vivaldi and so with that spirit in mind, we’re going to give you some great tips to help you usher in the springtime to your garden, with a few, must-have accessories.

Know Your Stuff

Before you can even start planning your springtime garden, you first have to know what you’re working with and what you’ll need to make it happen. So, take some time to check out your shed and store and do an audit on the tools that you have. Now, make a list of the tools that are in good working order, and those that need repair and maintenance. Of those, which can you realistically give a new life to, and which need to find their way to a home elsewhere.  Now that you know what you have, you can start planning for what you want. Also, audit your supplies, seedlings, bulbs, pesticides, and accessories like tall planters for indoor plants, outdoor hanging baskets, etc.

Consider the Theme You’re Going For and What You’ll Need

Now that you know what you have readily available, start thinking about the type of garden that you want for the spring. Remember that summertime gardens and made in the spring, so start thinking ahead to that too and create a seeding and sowing schedule. Take care to note the types of flowers and plants that will need longer sowing and planting times.

Work Within Your Space

Sure, we all wish we could have a lush and beautiful English country garden, but for many of us, that’s not possible because simply don’t have the space. This does not mean that you have to be left out of the party because there are plenty of good ideas for vertical gardens or gardens in small spaces, so get creative!

Gather Your Planting Gear

Now, it’s time to start getting a supply of plant-starting pots and trays at the ready. If you have a greenhouse, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve cleaned out your greenhouse, washed the windows, removed any algae or moss, and taken care to prepare your surfaces. Remember that many seedlings are simply too weak to survive in the winter, no matter how warm that winter may seem to you and me. So, start them in smaller pots now, and they’ll be ready to transplant outdoors as they get stronger and if you don’t have a greenhouse, dedicate a space in your garage. You can find a handy how-to video, here.