Your Spring Planting Plan Is Here
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Welcome to May! It’s time to start looking forward to all the amazing things spring and summer can bring to our outdoor world. If you’ve had gardening on your mind, the time to get started is now. It’s optimal time to get to work on your vegetable, fruit, herb, or flower planting initiatives. The pros at Spring-Green are passionate about all things that grow outside. Of course, we’re your neighborhood lawn care partners, but we’re all about gardening too. We know the weather is beautiful, and the time is right to get started. That’s why we’ve crafted this little beginner’s guide for you to check out as you plan out your spring garden this year.
5 Things That Should Be On Your Gardening Mind This May
- Get Familiar with Popular Vegetables, Fruit, & Flowers
May is prime time for gardening. Some vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs are best planted in later spring.Of course, many variables influence what choices you should make for your specific garden, but here is an overview of perfect options for planting in the month of May.
Fruits – Honeydew Melon, Tomatoes, Raspberries
Vegetables – Cucumber, Beets, Carrots, Beans, Peppers, Potatoes, Garlic
Herbs – Mint, Rosemary, Sage, Cilantro, Thyme, Parsley, Basil
Flowers – Crocus, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Primrose, Tulips, Camellia
2. Where to Begin?
Starting your spring garden can be the hardest part if you’re a newbie. Not to worry, though - follow these steps to get your garden growing in time for optimal enjoyment this summer.
Start by answering a few general questions:
- Which vegetables does your family love to eat?
- If you’re planting flowers, what are your preferences?
- What is your budget for your garden?
- Are you looking for flowers that return on their own each year, or do you prefer to plant anew every spring?
Follow some general rules of thumb:
- Avoid getting fancy for your first garden - start basic and build your way up to more complicated gardening once you’re comfortable.
- Choose the areas of your yard for the garden wisely. Consider the sun coverage and exposure to other elements like shade, rain, and wind. You’ll also want to choose a level spot of land, avoiding slopes. If you have a large property, you may also consider a place that’s easy to eyeball and see how it’s working.
- Do a thorough job of clearing away any debris, weeds, and roots from the ground on the area you want to plant.
- Check out the health of your soil. Soil is one of the most important elements to the success of your garden. You can test the pH balance of the soil, and if needed, add nutrients in advance to get it garden-ready.
3. Explore What’s Best for You & Your Garden
Once you have a good sense of the garden generalities, it’s time to customize your plan for your plantings. You’ll need to define…
- Size: How big will your garden be? This choice is variable to your space and preference but can influence what you choose to plant.
- Location: Where will your garden be in your yard? This is a pivotal decision as you want optimal sun exposure for the specific plants you select as well as consideration for rain, weather, and soil conditions.
- Geography: Some plants thrive in the south and warmer climates or only in the northwest of the United States. It may simply depend on where you are located on the map so make sure you research your plants’ best geography.
- Time: The amount of time and effort you can put into your garden is another factor that can influence your choice. If you know you don’t have too much time to dedicate to your gardening effort, you may want to choose heartier plants such as Hostas, Daisies, Hibiscus, Garlic, Chives, Basil, or Oregano that don’t require a lot of TLC. You could also opt to plant in a few pots and save space in your lawn.
4. How to Maintain Your Spring Garden
Now you need to get down to the business of planting your garden. Your next train of thought should be related to maintenance. Here are few tips to get you started – of course, many variables can influence your maintenance, such as your climate and your specific garden’s plants:
- Find the perfect balance of water to keep your
garden growing. Your young garden should never be allowed to dry out to make
sure the roots can flourish. Generally in the warmer months watering once per
day is recommended.
- Mulch is a great option to protect your garden from weed overgrowth as well as locking in moisture. Best practices are to cover the soil with about two inches of mulch to prevent the sunlight from hitting the soil. Be sure to choose organic mulch, such as bark or cocoa bean shells, to support healthy soil.
- Although the mulch will help keep weeds at bay, they can still pop up. Be sure to keep an eye out for weeds, dead vegetation and, of course, pesky bugs or rodents to keep your garden healthy.
5. Tips for a Raised Bed Garden
You may decide to go with a raised garden for aesthetics or because your soil quality is not great. Either way, a raised bed garden is not difficult to install. If you’re handy, you can do it yourself. If you like the easier option, you can most likely find one at your local nursery or home repair store.
As you plan your spring garden, be sure to take into consideration factors like sunlight, rainfall, soil conditions, as well as your level of commitment, so you can ensure your garden is a success. Spring-Green is standing by if you’re in need some expert advice or support for your garden and your lawn care needs. Since 1977, we’ve partnered with home and business owners in our communities to help them get full enjoyment out of their outdoors.