Volume
20 2007
Jumpstart The Spring Garden
!
There's no denying the
signs. The snow is melting and the robins
are returning. The crocus and tiny daffodil buds are peeking through the ground. Daylight is lingering a bit longer. The big thaw has begun . Spring is right around the corner.
If you're like me, you can't wait to get started in your garden. But, it's still to early to plant those seedlings outdoors. While you're holding out for higher temperatures, there's plenty you can do today to jumpstart the spring gardening season.
1. Start sowing those seeds
indoors. Take a trip to your local nursery or home store and buy seeds to start
indoors. In March I like to start annual
flowers (ie. impatiens, petunias and marigolds) for my pots and containers. Follow the seed packet instructions and you'll get excellent results. Some plants will take longer than others to bloom or bear fruit, so plan accordingly. This is also a great time for starting culinary
herbs and
vegetables. If you're looking for something new this year, try moonflower vine or cathedral bells to climb your fence or trellis. Both can be started from seed. If you have children, get them involved. Many children have a natural affinity for gardening. It's a great quality to encourage and nurture in them.
2. Dust off the birdhouses and set them outdoors in early March. Small birds like chickadees will be actively searching for appropriate homes to raise their families. It won't take long before the home tours begin.
3. Give your garden tools checkup. Take your pruning shears and other cutting tools to your local hardware store for cleaning, oiling and a good sharpening. On a warm day you may want to assess your lawnmower. Take it in for servicing or a tune up now-while you can. Many lawnmower repair centers are swamped shortly after the season starts. It's one tool you don't want to be without.
4. Get Inspired by ordering garden catalogs and purchasing your favorite garden magazines. Here in the northeast, there's nothing like winter time to remind me how valuable my summer garden space is. Create a wish list of new plants, design features and outdoor furniture. With a little planning, you won't be overwhelmed when May rolls around.
5. Attend indoor gardening events and home shows. In March there
are countless indoor garden, flower and landscaping expos. If you can't find anything in your local area, a day or weekend trip to a flower show might be just what you need. Look for a botanical garden with indoor facilities. Many offer year round indoor gardens and the displays are fantastic.
6. Clean out your garden beds as soon as the snow has melted and the weather permits. It's a good time to rake and clear your planting areas of dead branches, leaves and debris. Mulch as soon as possible in the spring, while there's still plenty of space between the emerging bedding plants.
7. Purchase a landscape design software program. Many can be purchased for less than $50.00. Create and sample new designs before digging. Take advantage of the overhead and 360 degree views. Many of the programs now offer a 3D walk through feature. It simulates the experience of walking through an actual garden. You can also advance the garden timeline into the future to see what it will look like when the plants and trees mature. It's a wonderful creative tool to beat the winter blues!
8. Contact your landscaper now and make sure to schedule any professional landscaping work as far in advance as possible. When the ground is soft enough for digging, landscapers will be working overtime to keep up with the volume.
9.Make plans to attend upcoming local and regional garden tours. Search the Internet for schedules, find out when tickets go on sale, and plan ahead. I've often read announcement lists in the newspaper after I've already made other plans. There's nothing like visiting other people's gardens for encouragement and inspiration.
I hope these suggestions get you motivated to take action. The sooner you get started on your garden plans, the more time you'll have to enjoy the rest of the season.
Happy Gardening!
© 2007 John Conti
John Conti is a landscaper and publisher of Stellasyard.com
| The Soulful Garden. Visit his web site for how to articles, advice and free
design plans. Beginners are welcome. stellasyard.com
