Spring Gardening Ideas

Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal for your garden. Whether you’re a professional gardener or a novice, there are plenty of things you can do to get your green thumb going again.

Start by assessing the damage from winter, pruning plants and trees, fixing tools, preparing the lawn, planting bare-root and container-grown flowers, adding a layer of mulch, feeding everything, starting composting and taking care of birds and insects.

1. Plant Bulbs

Bulbs make a stunning display when they bloom in spring. They are self-naturalizing plants that will grow and thrive in a variety of climates.

Plant them in groups of at least two to three bulbs per square foot. Mix and match colors and varieties to achieve a natural look.

A good watering after planting will encourage the bulbs to send out roots and become established more quickly. It also eliminates air pockets in the soil that could dry out your bulbs.

A protective layer of mulch over your bulb holes will keep animals away. If that isn’t enough, weigh down a piece of mesh or chicken wire over the soil to protect your bulbs from critters as they begin their spring growth.

2. Dig a Perennial Bed

Perennials can create year-round color and visual interest in your garden. But if you want them to thrive, they need the right conditions.

The key is a combination of soil type, drainage and wind patterns that give perennials the best chance to grow well in your location. Some perennials prefer sandy soil, others favor a loamy one with some organic matter.

Some perennials also like a bit of acidity in the soil. To find out if the soil in your garden has the proper pH, test it with an inexpensive test kit.

Once the soil is prepared, dig a hole that is a little larger than the plant’s root ball and twice as wide. This helps the plant take root and prevents it from drying out quickly.

3. Bring in Planters

Spring planting is a great way to kickstart your garden and get the soil ready for blooms. But you’ll need to do a few things before you can get started.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to bring in planters to your yard. They can help give your garden a fresh look and are also a good way to plant small flowers like pansies, daffodils and tulips that will thrive in limited space.

To ensure your plants are healthy, make sure you fill them with a good quality potting mix. This will keep your container weed free and help you avoid pests such as cutworms that will attack young seedlings.

4. Add Trees & Shrubs

Adding trees and shrubs can be a great way to add interest and color to your garden. There are a wide range of choices to fit any garden space.

For example, evergreen shrubs are a perfect addition to create yearlong privacy and add greenery to your yard. Many evergreen shrubs also offer beautiful flowers during the spring and summer.

Choosing the right tree or shrub for your landscape can be a bit of an art form, but knowing how your site is shaped and what you’re looking for will help you choose the best options. It’s also a good idea to take soil samples and consider the pH, nutrient-holding capacity, and other characteristics of your soil before you make any plant selections.

5. Add Color

Spring is a great time to add color to your garden. With a few simple tricks, you can create an explosion of vibrant hues that will draw attention to your garden for years to come!

First, choose a color scheme for your garden. You can go with a low contrast scheme to create a soothing space or a high contrast scheme for an energizing garden.

Then plant flowers and plants with different bloom times and flower colors throughout your garden bed. Remember to use a variety of plant leaves for even more visual interest!

Also consider adding foliage in shades of blue or green for a beautiful contrast to flowers. You can find variegated foliage in many plants, including miscanthus, flowering kale, dusty miller, and black mondo grass.