One of the most exciting aspects of spring is the many possibilities. The weather begins to warm making it the ideal time to begin, or restart, a garden. While some climates cannot plant in the spring because the temperatures are still too cold, many other areas can plant as early as March. Even if planting is out of the question for another month or two there is still plenty of work that can be done to prepare the garden for a successful season. Jumpstart the garden with these simple tips that are sure to promote a healthy and beautiful yard.
Prepare the Area
A lot of debris can accumulate over the winter months. Begin by selecting the area that the garden will be planted. Next, rake up any dead leaves and remove sticks or branches. If the area has not been used for gardening before there will likely be grass present. The grass will need to be dug up and removed to allow the new plants to take root. Existing garden spaces must have all dead or diseased plants dug up and removed for the same reason.
The next step is to loosen the soil as compacted soil is not conducive to healthy plant growth. A shovel, rake, or tiller can be used to break up the topsoil. After the soil is nice and loose then it is time to enrich the soil with nutrients. Manure, fertilizer, and compost are all excellent options that can be mixed in with existing soil.
Creating a Visually Appealing Space
It is also a good idea to visually separate the garden area from the rest of the yard. This can be done using bricks, pavers, rocks, mulch, or a garden box. This visual differentiation makes the garden look more organized and it draws the eye to the area.
There are many different types of garden that can be created. Vegetable and fruit gardens have the bonus aspect of a harvest that can be eaten. Flower gardens are simply beautiful and can entice birds, butterflies, and bees into the yard. Plant your selected items according to the labeled suggestions for the region.
A beautiful garden needs a matching yard to further accentuate it. Lawn care is important for maintaining visual appeal. This is not a one-time event but rather a year-long lawn management job. Keep the grass trimmed, green, and healthy for the ultimate appeal.
Adding Some Personality
The area has been prepared and separated, the soil enriched, the plants planted, and the lawn cared for. The last optional choice is to add flavor to the garden. Many people find this aspect just as fun as selecting their plants. Bird feeders and bird baths are ideal options for those who enjoy bird watching or wish to bring nature a bit closer to home. There are limitless pots, planters, and containers that can be placed around the garden or yard to add height and variety. Statues and sundials can add a luxurious, high-class feel to the area. Finally, an excellent addition that is both practical and attractive is lighting. Solar powered lamps make the garden area look beautiful even at night. It also adds to the home’s security as it is common knowledge that thieves avoid well-lit areas.
Start out this spring with an exciting project that will last the entire warm season. The beginning of spring is the ideal time to begin a garden. The steps are very simple. Prepare the area, enrich the soil, plant, care for the lawn, and add personality. The end result is a beautiful garden that will make any home more visually appealing.
Author Bio : Sarah works for Yourgreenpal and she loves writing content on lawns and plants.