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
Tag: tools
Prune Trees and Source Plants Early in Spring
#Gardening tasks to pursue early in the season include pruning trees and shrubs, The Spruce says, because you can visualize their shape better before they bud and grow leaves. Also consider sourcing any must-haves for your #garden well ahead of planting time, including hard-to-find or popular flower and vegetable varieties and gardening tools. Clean and sharpen your existing tools and containers in preparation for spring, or look for new-to-you tools and supplies at the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org. #GardenPlanning
Planting Your First Flower Garden
Are you a first-timer when it comes to #flower #gardening? Planning can be tricky, but the rewards will be a bright and colorful space that you can enjoy throughout the spring, summer and fall. First, consider the location of potential #garden plots, says Three Acre Farm. Many colorful flowers require lots of sun to succeed, and most need regular watering and rich soil. Map out your new garden location on paper and start small — doing more than you’re ready for can lead to disappointment. Fortunately, #flowers such as cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers and calendula are very forgiving and available in a rainbow of colors. #GardenPlanning
Plan Your Garden for an Ongoing Harvest
So you’ve decided to create a #vegetable #garden. It’s easy to grow a couple of tomato plants, says Almanac, but bigger plans will require consideration of where plants will go and when each should be planted. Cool-weather crops such as lettuce, radishes and peas flourish in early spring, while warm-weather vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers can’t go into the ground until the soil warms up. Know time to maturity, too — tomatoes typically take 90 days or more to harvest, while you’ll be picking lettuce in just a few weeks. With forethought, you’ll enjoy variety of fresh vegetables for months! #GardenPlanning
Gardeners: Start Your Seeds Now
Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a jump on #summer #gardening. Not only can you plant the varieties you want, you can and #save #money over buying greenhouse starter plants. Check the last frost date in your area, says Homesteading Family, and count backwards based on your crops of choice. For example, if your area’s final frost date is May 1, you’d want to start tomato seeds — average time to plant-ready: eight weeks — as soon as possible. Vegetables such as greens and root vegetables can often be sown directly into soil once the fear of frost is over for the year. #GardenPlanning