Spring is the perfect season to start your home garden. The soil warms, the days grow longer, and plants thrive in mild temperatures. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, spring is an ideal time for healthy plant growth.
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Garden
You want to fill your garden with plants that will thrive. Think about your local climate, space available, sun exposure, and the type of soil in your yard. Tip: Most plants need 6-8 hours of sunlight a day and well-draining soil. Talk with an associate at your local gardening store for insight about which plants might grow best.
Here are a few easy-to-grow options:
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, carrots, lettuce and cucumbers.
- Herbs: Basil, mint, rosemary and thyme.
- Flowers: Marigolds, petunias, daisies and sunflowers.
Prepping the Soil for Planting
Healthy soil is a big part of what makes a happy garden. Get your hands dirty with these steps:
- Be sure you haven’t selected a low-lying lot that could get waterlogged. Tip: You can create trenches to redirect water, or construct a raised garden for better drainage.
- Clear out weeds and debris.
- Loosen the soil with a rake or shovel.
- Mix the soil with nutrient-rich compost your plants will love.
Planting Techniques for Max Growth
Maintaining a garden requires consistency above all. Follow these best practices:
- Spacing Matters – Avoid overcrowding your garden to allow for proper air circulation.
- Plant at the Right Depth – Too deep or too shallow can stunt growth.
- Mind Your Watering Schedule – Know how much water your plants need, and then water in the mornings, making sure not to overdo it.
- Mulch – Put down 2-3 inches of organic mulch every month or two to refresh nutrients in the soil and prevent weeds.
- Prune Dead Leaves – This improves airflow and general plant health.
Natural Pest Control Strategies
You don’t need chemicals to keep critters away from your plants! Try these natural methods:
- Use Ladybugs – You can buy these friendly bugs at your local garden store or online. Once the sun has gone down, mist your plants with water and then gently place the ladybugs on any plants targeted by aphids.
- Plant Marigolds – These brightly colored flowers repel pests, and as an added bonus, they attract pest-eating ladybugs!
- Spray Neem Oil – Neem oil is a great natural pesticide and fungicide.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Garden’s Rewards
The best part of growing a garden is harvesting your fresh produce.
- Pick vegetables when they are ripe for the best flavor.
- Snip herbs frequently to encourage new growth.
Wishing You a Wonderful Spring
Whatever your plans for the season, we hope you enjoy a fruitful springtime. Need a mortgage or a refinance†? Newrez offers options to fit your needs. Apply today.
