Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2020 | 12 Posts
- 2019 | 42 Posts
- 2018 | 47 Posts
- 2017 | 45 Posts
- 2016 | 47 Posts
- 2015 | 54 Posts
- 2014 | 13 Posts
5
Going Green: 6 Tips for Planting Your Spring Garden
Spring fever has come with the arrival of some warmer days and longer hours of daylight. This is the time people start to dream about rejuvenating the outdoor garden and picturing beautiful landscapes. Mulch, weeds and other things can get in the way of the dream garden. Learn more about how to choose the right plants to boost the appeal of a home garden that everyone can enjoy.
Plant a Spring Garden in Indian Lake
Dirt Matters
A soil test is the best way to see what is going on underneath the dirt in the yard. The local agricultural extension office can provide helpful information such as what will grow and how to improve the soil quality. Some of the follow are tips to help get started:
- Add organic matter to the soil
- Start a compost pile or add bags of composted manure
- If soil is drained, plants that tolerate wetness are recommended or a dry creek bed can be installed to prevent standing water
Tree Challenges
The trees planted in a person's yard can make a huge difference to the health of a garden. Some trees drop seeds all over and others can dwarf a person's house over time. It is important to select a shrub or tree for the garden with the following considerations in mind:
- Size
- Form
- Habit
- Avoid planting trees with weak limbs or susceptible to pests
Know the Garden
There is more to a garden than 'full sun' and 'partial shade.' Too much sunlight can burn foliage and compromise plant health. Too little sun can make plants weak. Selecting plants that thrive for a person's specific conditions is key to making the whole thing work properly.
- Eight or more hours of direct sun is a perfect spot for vegetables, fruit trees and most flowers
- Partial to full shade is most ideal for growing perennials, ferns and small trees typically found in the understory of a forest
Have Confidence
Look for healthy plants. Inspect foliage at the place of purchase and check the plant for firmness along with healthy roots. The best place to buy is a local garden center or online from reputable nurseries.
Four Seasons
Choose a variety of plants to start that offer interest at different times of the year. Summer-blooming plants like canna, coneflowers and guara keep showing until fall while others can take over as fall foliage. Winter plants like trees can add architectural beauty through the colder months.
Divide and Conquer
Some of the best plants are perennials or ornamental grasses that can be divided up to grow across a garden over the years. Digging up and dividing plants help keep them actively growing. A healthy amount of water helps keep the plants establish in the ground and grow healthy. This is best done every two years to support a cohesive look to a person's garden.
Spring gardening has endless possibilities. Be sure to try the above tips to find the best ways to help grow a sustainable, interesting garden for years to come.