The birds are out chirping, squirrels are out foraging and Daffodils are out budding, telling us the season of new beginnings “Spring” has arrived. Spring offers a unique opportunity to cultivate your garden and watch it flourish throughout the year. This guide will take you through essential tips and tricks to get your garden ready for the whole season.
- Preparing Your Garden:
Before anything, it’s crucial to get your garden beds prepared by removing weeds, debris, and other remnants from winter. Get your soil from lawn and garden beds tested as it is important to understand what nutrients it might be lacking. Turn the soil in your garden beds over and enrich it with compost or well-rotted and heated manure to give your plants the best possible start. Make sure compost has sufficient micro-organisms to break it down and release the nutrients.
2.Preparing your Lawn:
Depending on the test results it is important to improve the neutrality of the soil of your lawn as grass thrives in high pH conditions. It is important to get rid of all the thatch and moss from your lawn and get it overseeded and fertilized. Aeration is a crucial process which loosens the soil and lets oxygen, water and nutrients enter the soil. Make sure you give enough iron and nitrogen to your lawn as iron and nitrogen are the nutrients grass needs to stay green and lush. Due to the recent droughts, the grass in the lawn has weakened and has become a feasting ground for chafer beetles and their larvae(grubs) as they larvae feeds on weak grass roots, so again it is highly recommended to treat your lawn with organic treatment of Bacillus Thuringiensis(a type of bacteria) to reduce the population of grubs. It will save your lawn from being ripped apart by racoons, skunks and birds, who feast of beetle larvae. Bacillus Thuringiensis is eco-friendly and has no harmful/toxic side effects. For optimal results, it’s highly recommended that you use a professional to execute all the mentioned services.
- Choosing the Right Plants:
Select plants that are suitable for our BC region’s climate and soil conditions. Spring is perfect for planting summer and fall blooming plants and bulbs. Don’t forget to include perennials like lilies and hostas, which will return year after year. - Planting Tips:
Timing is everything in spring gardening. Be mindful of the last frost date in your area to avoid planting too early. Use a planting calendar specific to your region as a guide. When planting, consider the mature size of the plants to avoid overcrowding and to maximize airflow, which helps reduce disease risks. Be sure to dig the right size potting holes and to use right fertilizers for transplanting and planting fresh to ensure root establishment. Do thorough research or get a professional to help you. - Watering Wisdom:
Spring weather can be unpredictable, with rainfall varying significantly. Monitor the moisture level of your soil regularly and water your plants accordingly. Morning is the best time to water, as it allows the moisture to soak deeply into the soil and the leaves it to dry out during the day. Watering needs of different plants are different and do not water your lawn more than an inch or half per day. Established lawns can be watered every few days, soaking them everyday can have adverse effects on grass. - Managing Pests, Weeds and Diseases:
Keep an eye out for signs of pests and diseases early in the season. The sooner you identify potential problems, the easier it is to manage them without resorting to harsh chemicals. Consider using natural remedies, such as neem oil and insecticidal soaps, and encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees into your garden. Get a professional to spread a pre-emergent over the lawn to make sure it stays weed free, as it doesn’t allow the seed of the weed to germinate. Vinegars and Roundups are not good options as they are not selective herbicides and can end up affecting plants/grass around the weeds. - Mulching Matters:
Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and adds a tidy appearance to your garden beds. Organic mulches, such as shredded bark, straw, or leaf mold, also contribute to soil health as they decompose. - Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor:
Remember to take time to enjoy your garden. Spring is not just about work; it’s also about enjoying the resurgence of life and color. Set up a patio with a pergola or gazebo to enjoy your garden from and create a pathway to make your garden inviting and functional. Add a water feature to your garden to give it a soothing feature.
Conclusion:
Spring gardening is a rewarding endeavor that sets the stage for a beautiful and productive year. By preparing your garden and lawn thoroughly, choosing the right plants, and caring for them with love and attention, you can enjoy a vibrant and flourishing garden. Happy gardening!
Feel free to get in touch with us, if you want any assistance in getting your yard ready for the season or need specific gardening enhancements or focus!