Get Ready for Spring Gardening Season with this Checklist

 

If you’re like us, you’ve been looking forward to spring gardening season since last year’s summer sun set. I know we’re all eager to get out in our gardens, but let’s make sure we have everything we need to grow the happiest and healthiest garden this season. Remember to check what time is best to plant in your region, as the last spring frost varies across the country. But for when the time comes, we want to make sure you are prepared! 


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Spring Cleaning

Time to get our hands dirty. This may not be the most fun part of gardening, but it’s a necessity. Pull those weeds and pick out last year’s debris. Make sure you wash all of your tools to prevent bringing any bacteria and pests into your garden. Check your garden beds-- is there any rot from the cold winter rain? How are your trellises? Do they need some reshaping? Make sure you make any necessary repairs before you begin. 

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What’s in your toolbox?

Use what works best for you and your space, but here are the recommended essentials.

Gardening gloves: Even if you like to get your hands dirty, it’s best to protect them from thorns or any allergic reactions you may have to weeds.

Shovels: A trowel is great for more efficient digging during moments when you might typically use your hands. A pointed shovel is ideal for breaking up your soil and moving compost. 

Garden fork: This is used best for pulling weeds and aerating soil.

Pruning shears: Keep these handy for later in the season when those plants begin to grow big and tall.

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Make a Plan

Time to assess. Make sure you make a plan that fits your lifestyle and skill level. No matter how big or small your plans are, we want to see some results. Let’s make life a little easier and not get too in over our heads! 

Ask yourself these questions:

  1. What worked last year? What didn’t?

  2. What do you want to eat this season?

  3. Are you new to gardening or have a busy season ahead? Or is your soil not looking too great? If the answer is yes, maybe try to stick to an herb garden. Herb gardens need less work and attention, but you’ll still have bountiful results and enough to share with neighbors. 

  4. Are you starting from seeds or using plant transplants? If you decide to start from seeds, make sure you begin indoors and ahead of time. Transplants may be a little more costly, but they are a great option if you’re running a little behind or want an easier alternative. 

  5. What crops work well together? Find out which of your plants are companion plants and plant them next to one another. This will naturally help avoid pests and diseases. 

  6. Have you done your research? Once you have a list of your chosen crops, check to see what time of the season is best to plant for optimal results. 

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Soil is Important

Keeping a compost pile is an easy and cost-effective way to make sure your garden has nutrients. Leaves and food scraps (like eggshells and banana peels) are the perfect starts. If you’ve been maintaining a compost pile during winter, give it one more churn and check that it’s still looking healthy.

Even if your soil and compost look healthy, you still need good fertilizer. Choosing a fertilizer can always be a little tricky, with GROW® you know you are shopping sustainably and cost-effectively. Add two tablespoons of GROW Tomato and Veggie Plant Food to your soil, and its slow-release formula will keep tending to your garden all season long. 

Lastly, make sure your soil is nice and loose-- not too wet and not too dry.

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And there you have it, you’re ready for spring gardening! We’d love to see how your garden is growing, so don’t forget to share your gardening pics and any tips and tricks with #growwithGROW. Happy gardening!

 
Kiana Pontrelli