Sunplaza

Spring is a period of active work for gardeners, as proper preparation of the garden for the new season affects germination, flowering, and future harvest. With the onset of warmer days, it is worth taking care of the soil, plants, and garden structures to ensure the best conditions for growth and development.

Spring maintenance includes several key steps: clearing the area of winter debris, pruning trees and shrubs, treating plants for pests and diseases, fertilizing the soil, and preparing for planting new crops. Each of these processes requires attention and adherence to certain rules, which were described by MarthaStewart experts.

Cleaning the territory

The first step is to remove dry branches and other debris. This not only improves the appearance of the site, but also helps reduce the risk of pests and diseases. You need to give the greenery room to grow by removing flower beds before the season.

“Snowdrops, daffodils, and later tulips have their own rhythm and will start growing as soon as the conditions are right. But you can help give these flowers a new start by preparing the flower beds in advance,” advised Lucy Bellamy, an expert.

But you should not remove absolutely all the fallen leaves.

“Many insects overwinter in the fallen leaves and hollow stems of perennials and grasses,” emphasized Emma Martone, curator at High Point University.

Removing these beneficial insects prematurely harms biodiversity and can affect the overall health of the garden.

Mulching rules

Mulching around the bulbs helps to retain moisture in the soil, prevent weed growth, and protect the bulbs from overheating in summer and frost in winter.

“Generally, mulching can be done when spring bulbs begin to sprout,” advised Laura Jenny, owner of The Inspired Garden.

But note that excessive mulch can lead to fungus accumulation or root rot. It’s better to use natural materials: straw, hay, sawdust, and shredded tree bark.

Take care of the garden’s pollinators

Many fruit trees, berry bushes, and vegetable crops need pollination to form fruit. Without the help of pollinating insects, such as bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and others, plant productivity can be significantly reduced or they may not bear fruit at all.

How to attract pollinating insects to the garden:

• plant plants in the garden that attract pollinating insects: lavender, mint, chamomile, sunflowers, etc.;
• create places in the garden where pollinating insects can hide from wind and rain, for example, install special insect houses or leave a pile of branches and leaves;
• avoid using pesticides, as they are harmful to pollinating insects;
• pollinating insects need water, so it is important to provide them with access to it, for example, by installing a small pond or watering hole.

Pruning shrubs

Pruning garden shrubs stimulates growth and prevents disease. In addition, the process allows you to control the shape and size of the plants so that they match the aesthetics of the landscape. Use clean, sharp tools and cut at a 45-degree angle from the plant. Do not prune more than 1/3 of the bush, as this can cause stress and damage the shoots.

Aeration of the lawn

Compacted soil prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, which can lead to their death. Aeration ensures that the necessary air is supplied to promote healthy growth. Compacted soil is poorly permeable to water and leads to stagnation. Aeration improves drainage and ensures even moisture. The best time to carry out the procedure is spring or fall, when the grass is actively growing. During this period, plants recover faster from the procedure.

Remove weeds

Weeds actively absorb nutrients from the soil, which are essential for the growth and development of cultivated plants. Tall weeds can shade out shorter plants, reducing access to sunlight needed for photosynthesis. Some pests, such as aphids or mites, first appear on weeds.

Planting after the last frost

Early spring is a great time for gardening, but it’s important to remember that rushing things can harm plants. The main rule of successful planting is to wait for the last frost. Sudden late frosts can damage plants that are sensitive to temperature changes.