Assuming you’ve already done the prep work, many #gardening to-dos in late April and early May revolve around #planting. Look for healthy, developed roots in seedlings before you put them into pots or in the ground, HGTV says. If you plant annual flowers such as petunias and impatiens, fertilize them and give them water them two to three times a week. And mulch is often a must for gardens, because it moderates soil temperatures, slows water evaporation and suppresses weeds; add a two- to three-inch layer of shredded bark once all starter #plants get established. #SpringtimeGardening #DosAndDonts
Tag: gardening tips
Check the Thrift for Gardening Supplies
If you plan to establish a #flower or #vegetable #garden this spring, first make sure your tools are in good working condition. Sharpen pruners, clean rakes and tillers, and inspect planters and garden infrastructure for damage. If you need any tools, seeds, planters, pots or decorative items, check the #thrift stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org first. They are a great source of lightly used #gardening equipment and supplies, and buying #secondhand can #save money over buying new at a big-box store or garden center. #SpringtimeGardening #DosAndDonts
The Don’ts of Springtime Gardening
There are many don’ts of #springtime #gardening, says Better Homes & Gardens — mistakes that gardeners can easily make that could damage plants or make them less productive. First, don’t work soggy soil; you might compact it and make it less viable. Schedule plantings to avoid late-season frosts, and harden seedlings by exposing them to varying temperatures for up to two weeks ahead of planting. Don’t use fresh manure, since its high nitrogen levels can burn plants, and don’t overcrowd plantings. Finally, don’t mulch too soon or too much, since it can lend to moisture buildup and rot. #SpringtimeGardening #DosAndDonts
Get Your Garden Ready for Planting
The first step in #spring #gardening is to clean any debris out of the beds. Remove fallen leaves, branches and other detritus to help ensure that they will be pest and blight-free. Next, you’ll want to test your garden soil to find out what nutrients or organic materials it lacks or has a surplus of. Based on the test results, you can amend the soil to provide optimal growing conditions for your #plants. “A good general practice is to topdress the soil with an inch or two of compost, humus and/or manure in early spring,” Proven Winners says, as well as an extended-release plant food product. #SpringtimeGardening #DosAndDonts
Don’t Stress About Summer’s Bounty
Home #gardeners can easily be overwhelmed by the sheer bounty of #summer and #fall #produce, especially if a particular crop succeeds. “There is an odd combination of being thrilled that you found the right plant and variety to produce like crazy, while also being stressed about what you are going to do with it all,” says The Homestead Garden. Visit the #garden daily to keep tabs on growth. Make a to-do list of tasks that will maximize your #harvest and still give you time to cook or store everything. Give excess fruits and vegetables to your neighbors if you can’t use them all. And look at gardening as a rewarding hobby, not a chore. #FreshProduce