Finally, the long winter months have passed. There is a spring in our step, the sun feels warmer and our days are noticeably longer thanks to daylight saving time. What you do in the garden now will save time later when temperatures warm up; you'll be in better shape for seeding, planting, and enjoying the outdoors.
Rake debris carefully off beds that hold the earliest bloomers first, for example where bulbs are trying to push up through sodden leaves.
Prune away dead and damaged branches. Shape hedges and shrubs with a pruner rather than an electric shears. Wait to prune spring bloomers such as Forsythia until after they flower. Even later bloomers that grow from dense, cushion-like crowns (as Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’) will be easier to clean up now than once they start to push.
Pull and dig perennial weeds when possible, such as broadleaf, before they get a foothold. The University of Minnesota’s “Is This Plant a Weed?” tool is a place where you can find those troublesome weeds that are unwanted in our garden.
Cut down ornamental grasses at the base. I generally leave ornamental grasses in tack during the winter months to give the garden space some interest. Be on the lookout for mice because they love to make a home to nest their new offspring!
Feed spring bulbs with an appropriate all-natural organic fertilizer as green tips push through the ground.
Mulch and top dress gardens with compost once you have cleaned up debris and weeds.
Take inventory of your gardening supplies and make a list of supplies you'll need for your spring garden. Make sure you clean your tools if you did not get to it last season!
Test your soil as soon as the ground thaws. This will inform you about fertilizer needs, and it will save you time and money in the long run. Take notice of any changes in soil structure that may be in need of amending.
Make a Plan to add any new vegetable or flower gardens.
Start seeding of cool season crops, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce, from seed indoors. Or plan to buy starters from a garden center this spring.
Last but not least, garden with the environment in mind. Stay away from harmful products that pollute the earth and cause harm to the natural wildlife that live in the area.
No time to get to your spring clean-up chores? Contact Marisa’s Garden to get the job done so you start your garden fresh and healthy this growing season.