It’s that time of year again when those of us who love the outdoors can’t wait to venture into our gardens and yards. As the weather improves, it’s the perfect time to knock a few tasks off of your to-do list and enjoy that fresh spring air. Don’t forget that your yard is one of the first things a potential buyer or your neighbours see, so it’s a great place to add some curb appeal.
Make a Plan
Planning your garden and yard is the most important step. Did you know that certain flowers and vegetables will thrive in specific areas of your yard? For your garden to have continuous bloom in the summer, mix perennial flowers with some annuals to keep your yard looking colourful for longer. It’s also a good idea to plant according to height to ensure that the taller plants aren’t hogging all the sunlight.
If you are living in the Bow Valley, it is extremely important to consider the type of plants you have in your garden and yard so as to avoid attracting wildlife. Keep our wildlife safe and wild by following some backyard basics and knowing which plant species to include or avoid in your garden and yard. Visit Attractant Management Resources for tips and information.
Clean Up
The fall and winter can expose your yard to harsher elements and leave a pile of broken branches, leaves, and other debris. It’s one of the least exciting aspects of gardening, but it’s necessary prep work to promote new growth.
Before you prune trees or shrubs, use a clean rag and isopropyl alcohol to sterilize your pruners before each cut. This precaution keeps you from inadvertently spreading plant disease all around the garden. Ensure it is an appropriate time of year for the plant to be pruned as many plants should not pruned in the spring because they bloom on old wood. Whenever you prune your plants, it is a good practice to add a little fertilizer to the soil to ensure that the plant has the nutrients on hand to heal its wounds quickly.
Prep Your Garden Tools
Doesn’t pulling out your garden tools feel like the real sign that Spring is here? It’s finally time to dig them out from storage. Give them a good scrub to ensure they are clean of bugs or diseases so they don’t infect your plants. Sharpen blades, oil hinges, and think about expanding or upgrading your collection.
You should also take this opportunity to replenish your supplies. Make sure you have enough fertilizer and soil amendments on hand. Replenish your supply of plant supports, and pre-assemble any structures like tomato cages that you want to make for yourself. It is a lot easier to do get this work done in your shed while the weather is still poor than to have to worry about it later in spring when there is plenty of things you would rather be doing outside.
Give Your Soil Some TLC
Soil can lose its moisture and harden, so take the time to break down the clumps of soil by turning and raking it. Using a tiller or a sharp spade, work the soil to a depth of 12 to 14 inches to loosen it up and add compost or amendments to the soil. A soil test will reveal the pH and nutrient levels, which will tell you what type of materials you might want to add. If you have poor or clay-based soil, it is especially important to add a healthy layer of compost to improve the soil’s texture, nutrient content, and moisture-retention. Then rake the soil level and water it lightly to help it settle and release air pockets. If your existing soil is particularly poor, the easiest option might just be to rise above it with a raised garden bed.