The wait is over! Happy First Day of Spring!
Getting a head start this week ensures your plants have the best foundation for the blooming months ahead. Here is how to transition your backyard from winter blah to spring beauty:
1. The Great Garden Clean-Up
Before you plant anything new, clear the canvas. Remove fallen branches, matted leaves, and any leftover winter mulch from your flower beds.
-
Pro Tip: Be gentle! Check for early bulbs like crocuses or tulips poking through the soil so you don’t accidentally step on them.
2. Inspect and Tune-Up Your Tools
Your tools have been sitting idle for months. Take an hour today to:
-
Clean: Scrub off any rust or dried dirt.
-
Sharpen: Dull pruners lead to jagged cuts that can invite disease.
-
Oil: A little WD-40 or mineral oil on the joints of your shears goes a long way.
3. Test and Nourish Your Soil
Winter rain and snow can leach nutrients from the soil. Once the ground is no longer frozen or soaking wet, add a fresh layer of compost or well-rotted manure. This improves soil structure and provides the "fuel" your perennials need to kickstart their growth.
4. Prune with Purpose
Late March is the ideal time to prune many woody shrubs and trees while they are still dormant. Focus on the "Three Ds": Dead, Damaged, or Diseased branches.
Note: Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs (like Lilacs or Forsythia) until after they bloom, or you’ll cut off this year’s flowers!
5. Start Your "Hardy" Planting
While we still have to watch out for late frosts, you can begin planting "cool-weather" favourites. Pansies, violas, and primulas thrive in these temperatures and provide that much-needed pop of colour after a grey winter.
We’re Here to Help!
Ready to get started? Stop by Lakeside Garden Gallery this weekend to pick up your soil amendments, fresh spring blooms, and the latest gardening tools. Let’s make this your most beautiful growing season yet!