Spring is here! And the weather is finally getting better, so you can enjoy some pleasant time outside. You can open the windows, let in some fresh air, and there’s nothing like it. Your plants are probably beginning to wake up from their winter nap too, making you feel a little bit guilty for not giving them as much attention over the past few cold months. If you haven’t started tending to your greens yet, now’s the time to do it!
In addition, here’s a list of sustainable spring gardening tips that will help you get your yard ready for planting new plant babies in the coming season. So, grab all your gardening tools and hop outdoors to have some fun with some new members of your sustainable garden!
1. Start By Getting Rid Of The Mess
Cleaning up your garden is the first step to getting it ready for spring. Have a good look at the garden and check areas that have dead leaves, weeds, and leftover snow. Now is an excellent time to get rid of all the debris that has accumulated through the winter. Make sure to remove any dead or damaged branches from shrubs and trees. Remember to compost all of your plant-related waste, such as leaves, weeds, grass clipping, etc. You can use it later on as fertilizer for your plants. Also, look for areas where you need to add fresh soil or compost for your plants to grow faster and healthier.
2. Prune The Shrubs And Trees
Spring is the best time to prune the bushes, trees, and shrubs in order to encourage new growth. A good rule of thumb is to wait until flowering trees have bloomed. It is also essential to know that not all plants need pruning in spring. Spring-blooming shrubs should not be pruned in early spring as this can stunt the developing flower buds. Remember that trees like birch, maple, oak, and willow should be pruned only during their dormant season as they become susceptible to diseases.
3. Mark Off Flowerbeds
If your spring garden has flowerbeds, then use twine or rope to mark off the area where you want to plant flowers and other plants. You can even use bricks or stones to create borders for your beds. If you want a more natural look for your landscaping, then add some low-growing shrubs like boxwood or junipers as border plants. Finally, ensure you dispose of any clippings from your winter pruning, because they can harbor diseases that could harm your new plants later on.
4. Divide Perennials
Similarly, it is always good to divide perennials to help increase their lifespan. In addition, this will help them grow faster. To do this, use a sharp spade or knife to cut through the plant into sections so that each one has its own roots. Now replant them around 12 inches apart.
5. Mulch It Up
Mulch is a gardener’s best friend, and there’s no better time than spring to lay it down. It helps restore moisture in the soil and keeps weeds out. In addition, mulch helps control soil temperatures, so you can plant seeds earlier in the season. Mulching can raise soil temperatures by as much as 10 degrees compared to bare ground. That means you can start planting several weeks ahead of schedule. Spread about a 2-4″ thick layer of mulch around your plants, bushes, and trees to keep them healthy. If you can’t find any mulch in your area, grass clippings work just as well! You can even recycle your Christmas tree by turning it into mulch for your garden.
Pro Tip: Before spreading mulch in your spring garden, cover it with a layer of newspaper or cardboard to kill any existing weeds and prevent new ones from growing.
6. Get Local Spring Plants For Your Sustainable Garden
Since spring is a popular time for planting, many nurseries sell a variety of plants in the springtime. It’s best to shop locally for plants since shipping them isn’t always an option as shipping from afar can be risky and might damage your plants while commuting. The best of the spring gardening tips on our list is to get local plants for your spring garden.
There are several benefits to this, including the fact that they can quickly acclimate to your garden and soil conditions. You will save money as local plants cost less than exotic plants. And at the same time, you will support local communities too by choosing local. Moreover, local spring plants are also good for the environment because they require less water usage than exotic plants.
7. Add Color With Spring Flowering Plants
Fill borders with spring flowering plants. One of the best parts of gardening is seeing the first signs of spring emerging from the soil. This is particularly true with spring flowering plants, which produce some of the earliest blooms. Daffodils, crocus, and snowdrops are all guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, as they appear in late winter and early spring. All these perennials with attractive blooms will grace your garden for years.
Next, sow seeds for summer flowers. It’s time to get your greenhouse up and running (in case you got one!) So, you should start sowing seeds for summer flowers. You can also sow seeds indoors and then transplant them into your spring garden, once the risk of frost has passed. Good choices include marigolds, cosmos, sweet peas, and nasturtiums. They’re easy to grow and look great when planted on borders or in containers.
8. Install Bird Feeders & Bird Baths
Birds are a crucial part of the ecosystem. Not only do they provide beauty, but they also control insects and pollinate plants. A bird feeder or bath is an easy way to get these little creatures into your garden and improve their health. When installing a bird feeder, it’s essential to place it in an area where birds will feel comfortable coming and going, but they won’t be exposed to predators like cats or squirrels. In addition, installing one near a window can allow you to view birds up close as they visit your yard.
Similarly, birdbaths are a great addition to your spring garden too! Most birds need water for drinking and bathing, so this garden addition allows them to take advantage of the resources in your backyard. In fact, this will make your sustainable garden more desirable as a nesting site for birds. Note that you should clean bird feeders & baths every 2 weeks to prevent mold from growing.
Pro Tip: You can also make your own bird feeders by recycling milk cartons or birdbaths with leftover pumpkins. Now, isn’t that amazing!
There is a reason why spring is considered the season of rebirth and the time for new beginnings. And that’s exactly how your sustainable garden & home should look, alive and spruced up!
Small changes and simple spring gardening tips can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your garden. These spring gardening tips can serve as a great starting point to make the most of your sustainable garden in the spring months.
For more such tips on spring home decor and spring cleaning, don’t forget to check out our Home & Living section.
Happy Spring! 🍀 🌻
