Get your Green Thumb in Gear!
Spring is not just a time to clean the inside of your house, it’s also the perfect time to focus on “cleaning” your outside space. You may be one of many who is dreaming about a designer lawn so let’s make the grass greener on your side of the fence. If you need some help cultivating your inner green thumb, look no further – these tips can help you dig gardening!
Home Grown Potting Bench
Before you dig too deep into your outside projects, you should get a dedicated space together. Clean out your garden shed, and if you are up to the challenge, consider building a potting bench for your space. You can find lots of plans online – ranging from the beginner woodworker to the more advanced craftsman.
https://www.epicgardening.com/potting-bench-plans/
Sow your seeds
Once you have a dedicated space to work in, you can start the planning process.
- Start a garden journal
This is a great way to keep organized for this year’s planting season, and for years to come. Keep track of important details such as what you planted, when you planted, and the progress of your garden throughout the growing season so you can determine what performs the best in your space. Also consider tracking any pest or disease problems you may encounter.
- Clean and sharpen garden tools
From rakes to shovels, make sure your garden tools are ready for the hard work ahead. Take stock of what you have, and what you might need to purchase.
- Plan your space
Lettuce? Peas? Tomatoes? Squash? Determine what you want to plant and when you need to plant – for instance, tomatoes and peppers should be planted indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Determine how much space you will require, and allot enough room for vegetables and flowers to flourish. Lastly, conduct a test on your soil so that you know how much and which fertilizer to use.
Flower Power
Once you have all the details planned out, it’s time to get to work! Clean out garden beds, and remove dead leaves and old mulch. Pull weeds out by their roots to discourage their re-growth in the space. Remove debris from your lawn, and rake to plump up and detach the grass shoots. Ensure healthy soil by adding compost or manure. Once you have these elements in place, you are ready to plant!
Choose a variety of colors to guarantee visual interest. Add trees to break up flowers and shrubs. If you are planting in early spring, keep in mind which flowers will thrive this time of year such as pansies or snapdragons and hold off on flowers that should be planted closer to the summer and fall months. Once you have planted your flowers, trees and vegetables, ensure they receive ample water. Finish by applying a fertilizer to enrich the soil. You can either purchase it at your local garden store or you make your own by using simple items from around the house such as coffee grounds and egg shells!
Never enough thyme
Once you have tackled the biggest tasks in your outdoor space – don’t forget the little details. Be sure to complete any lawn seeding or weed control. What about spices for your kitchen? Grow basil, oregano and other spices and keep them readily available to incorporate in your favorite recipes.
Take time to smell the roses!
After all your hard work, be sure to take time to enjoy the fruits of your labors! Plan a garden party or host an afternoon BBQ get together with your closest friends and family to enjoy the space you worked so hard to cultivate. Decorate tables with vases full of blooms from around your yard and incorporate vegetables from your garden in the meal planning. Include music for added charm – lettuce turnip the beet!
Weed it and Reap
Garden planning doesn’t have to be stressful. Following these green thumb tips can get you started on the path to springtime success. The neighborhood will be green with envy!