Whether you're planning to grow a host of fresh flowers and vegetables, or just want to maintain a beautiful yard and landscape, get a head start on your summer gardening with these important spring preparations:
Clear debris: Spend some time clearing away any debris that has accumulated over the winter months, including trash, broken branches, leaves, dead plants, etc. Clean and scrub pathways and surfaces, and remove winter coverings from plants or equipment.
Start or add to your compost: Once you've gathered all that debris, put some of it to good use in a compost bin or pile. Add eggshells, coffee grounds, and vegetable waste, and you'll be on your way to some rich, beautiful soil.
Revive your soil: Start with a soil test to find out what nutrients your soil is missing. Add manure, compost or fertilizer as needed.
Trim and prune: Pruning helps plants stay healthy and promotes new growth. For many plants, spring is the best time to take this vital step. Trim ornamental grasses; and prune trees, shrubs roses and hedges. Spring is also a great time to divide perennials.
Start planting: If you live in a northern climate, there's nothing wrong with getting some of your seeds started indoors. Get going on veggies like eggplant, cucumber, broccoli and tomatoes, or any plants that take longer to mature.
Wake up your lawn: Rake your lawn thoroughly to remove any buildup and leftover debris from the fall. This will aerate the soil and help your grass to grow more quickly. Apply fertilizer, lime, and/or fresh seeds if necessary.
Make repairs: It may not be warm enough to start planting, but hopefully it's warm enough to make repairs to pathways, fences, vegetable beds and other structures that support and enhance your summer garden. Get these taken care of early so that you won't have to worry about them later.
Get the weeds out: Spring is a great time to take care of as many of those pesky weeds as possible. Get in there after the ground has thawed but before any unwanted plants have taken root and started to spread their seeds.
Plan your planting: Use a calendar and a sketch pad to plan out when and where to start your flowers and plants. Purchase your seeds, brush off your tools so you'll be ready to get down in the dirt as soon as the time comes.
For any home insurance questions, call or contact HBE Group, Inc. today.