Why Let Snow Keep You From Garden Work?
3 pros!
Eager to get a jump-start on your spring gardening? You can tackle some chores even before the snowflakes melt away.
After a few months of shoveling snow instead of mulch, you may be ready to get back to work in the garden.
And that’s not surprising when you realize that as spring warms the winter-ravaged landscape, the one thing you don’t want growing in your yard could already be there.
It’s true: Weeds tend to be the first plants breaking ground in your flowerbeds and landscape, or they could be leftover from a fall growth spurt and under the snow. Either way, you may be eager to rid your yard of the offending plants.
RELATED: How to build a raised garden bed
Not so fast
Before you start digging up weeds in the garden, first, make sure the ground is not too wet to work. Test it by taking a handful of soil and working it in your hand.
If it breaks apart in a crumble, you’ll be able to pull weeds from flower beds and landscaping without damaging its structure. If the soil sticks together and forms a ball, the soil is still too wet. Let the fresh air dry it out a bit before continuing with your spring gardening.
If your soil is ready to work:
● Remove snow, leaves, twigs and winter’s debris from the yard.
● Gently start preparing the ground in flower beds for planting by pulling up any weed growth.
● Cut ornamental grasses and ground perennials close to the ground. These plants also can be divided and transplanted.
● Avoid walking on the soil that you are working, to keep it from compacting.
● Apply horticulture oil spray to control insects and mites from attacking new leaves budding on trees and shrubs.
● If you covered your rose bushes for the winter, uncover, prune and fertilize if needed.
● If the grass is ready to be mowed, set lawn mower to cut at 3 1/2 to 4 inches high.
RELATED: Early spring lawn care tips
Prepare to plant
Jump-start your gardening and landscaping plans with these Angie's List Guides:
Indoor gardening chores
● If you like to start plants from seed, plant warm-season vegetables and flowers indoors starting in early March. Seedlings can be transplanted outdoors when the danger of frost is past, usually mid-May.
● Pot tuberous begonias, caladiums, cannas and other summer-flowering bulbs for transplant later in the garden season.
● When it’s almost time to transplant outdoors, harden off potted plants by setting them outdoors during the day in a warm spot about a week before planting.
RELATED: Start preparing in fall for a glorious garden in spring
As of March 2, 2015, this service provider was highly rated on Angie's List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check Angie's List for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie's List.
