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The ground may still be covered in snow, but spring is just around the corner. The excitement of all things fresh and new is palpable, and we can’t wait! Our snowpack is promising this year, and even if you don’t love the drawn-out winter, we will all appreciate the water come summertime. As you’re waiting for the snow to melt and those little buds to start popping, here are some great ways to get prepared for the growing season.
Order seeds and bulbs – Now is an excellent time to get seeds and summer bulbs ordered. If you plan to plant seeds indoors, you’ll need ample time to get them strong before taking them outside. Additionally, placing orders now will ensure you get the seeds and bulbs you want—in a few weeks, they may be sold out.
Start indoor seeds – You’ll want to check the packaging for exact dates to start your seeds inside, but it’s probably getting close for most plants. Work backwards from your last frost date, and calculate the time until bloom and germination to get an idea of when to plant each seed. If you’re putting these seeds in windows, make sure it’s warm enough for them to survive—windows are often drafty spots in our homes.
Assess your property – Utah experienced some heavy snow this year, and chances are there may be some repair needs in your garden, on your fences, around your patio, and maybe even your roof or gutters. Check that these important areas are in good shape and be prepared to tackle repairs soon. Also address your garden area and flower beds to see if there is something different you’d like to do this year. It’s a great time to let the ideas flow and get prepared for new, fun projects. Add edging, bring in new flowers, swap out mulch, or maybe even bring in a new fruit tree.
Prep garden tools – Be ahead of the game by cleaning and sharpening your tools and assessing supplies such as gloves and hoses. Remove debris from shovels and rakes to avoid the possibility of spreading plant diseases, and give them a little coating of oil for protection. Consider replacing or repairing tools that are broken, and make sure you have enough pots, fertilizer, and other supplies for your upcoming projects.
Prune plants and shrubs – Pruning in the early spring is a great way to keep trees and shrubs healthy. Wait until temperatures are above 25o to do this, however, but also before new buds start blooming (unless it’s a spring bloomer, such as lilacs, which you’ll prune after they flower). Dead and broken branches should be removed, and check for any diseased sections so you can address it quickly.
Once you get started on your projects, be sure to check out The Dirt Bag’s high-quality products. Plant your new seedlings in our top-notch soil, bring in some mulch for your beds and around trees to maximize water retention, use our compost to enhance the health of your soil, and come see our amazing landscape rock options.
