Spring has sprung! The birds are chirping and the grass is green. And the stress-relieving joys of gardening have finally arrived. Although gardening isn’t all fun and games, it is a fantastic way to spend a day outdoors! Here is a quick spring garden checklist for bringing new life to your outdoor living space.
The Spring Garden Checklist
Step 1: Inspect your Space.
This winter was brutal, and that is true for your yard, too. Take some time to survey everything from trees to turf. Make a note of limbs that need tending to this spring. While you may not be able to take on tree maintenance yourself, hiring a professional is a great way to protect your yard and your buildings. Then, trim and discard foliage from the previous year’s perennials. Rake and mulch planting areas. Finally, check for damage caused by freezing and thawing over the winter months, including fences, walking paths and stairs.
Step 2: Prune.
Check your shrubs for damaged and diseased branches. Spring is the time to trim summer-blooming shrubs, including many rose varieties and hydrangea. Wait until after flowering to prune spring-blooming shrubs and trees
Step 3: Fertilize.
Your plants will thrive with the assistance of an appropriate fertilizer. Trees and shrubs do best with a balanced fertilizer applied when new growth appears. Shrubs like azaleas, blueberries and citrus prefer high-acid fertilizers.
Step 4: Tool Tune-Ups.
Inspect your tools for damage, replacing worn out or missing tools for the new season. Consider cleaning, sanding and oiling wood handles. Send large tools, such as your mower and leaf blower, for a spring tune-up. Additionally, make sure all blades are sharp and ready to take on their springtime duties.
Step 5: A Bird-Friendly Zone
Turn your yard into a concert hall for the birds! Install bird feeders and waterers and watch and listen and your feathered friends flock to your yard. If you already have feeders and waterers, be sure to scrub them down to disinfect them. Doing so regularly throughout the season will keep the birds coming!
Step 6: Final Touches.
Once your yard and garden are prepped, take a minute to observe the space. If you have bare areas, consider adding plants to fill them in. Local garden experts will have great advice. Taking photos and knowing the type of sun and water levels in the area is very helpful! Once your space is filled to your delight, it’s time for a fresh layer of mulch. Mulch helps the ground retain much needed moisture, suppresses weeds and cleans up the look of your entire garden space.
And just like that, your spring garden is ready for relaxation! While it may seem daunting at first, going through each step on your “garden to-do list” little by little makes a big impact, and it can even be enjoyable!