If you’re a gardener, spring is one of the most exciting times of the year. It’s not just seeds that you’re planting; you’re sowing your hopes that the weather will be favorable and the plants will grow as expected. A good harvest doesn’t happen by accident; it takes careful planning and preparation beforehand.
Clearing Out the Area
If you haven’t had a garden before, the area may have heavy grass or scrub that you have to get rid of before you can start planting. A flail mower may be helpful in clearing the land more efficiently. If you have had a garden in the past, you may still have to clear the area of debris from last season, such as weeds and old mulch.
Protecting the Garden From Animals
Many animals may try to feed on the seeds you plant or the plants that grow from them. You should plan measures to keep them out. In many cases, that means putting a fence around your garden. A post hole digger for tractor can help the job go much faster as it accelerates one of the most tedious aspects of the job.
Preparing the Soil
There are two basic steps involved in preparing the soil for planting. The first is to turn or till the soil, which means loosening it up so planting is easier. This is necessary because soil tends to become compacted in the wintertime. The second step is to add amendment, such as compost, to improve the level of nutrients in the soil.
Maintaining Your Tools
You should be sure that your tools are functional and working well. This may mean making repairs to digging tools, sharpening blades, and tuning up your gas-powered equipment.
Applying Mulch
Mulch is one of the best tools you have to prevent weeds. The earlier that you can apply it, the more effective it will be at weed control. To avoid potentially stunting your germinating seeds by covering them with mulch, try starting seedlings indoors and planting them outside when conditions allow. That way, you aren’t in a race against time with the weeds.
Checking Hardscape
Winter can be hard on outdoor structures such as the deck or patio, furniture, or stonework. Before you can start planting in earnest is a great time to check the condition of these structures and make any repairs as necessary. For example, when the ground freezes, it can cause the soil to swell upwards. This is called frost heave, and it can cause problems for rock walls, stone paths, and edging.
Scheduling Planting
To get the best results, you have to plant your seeds when conditions are most favorable. Some varieties of vegetables actually need cool soil to germinate best, so you can start planting those now. You also need to plan where in the garden you are going to put the plants. Certain plants can benefit each other if planted in proximity, while other plants need to be kept far apart.
If you are serious about gardening, it is really important that you get high-quality tools that can stand up to the work. You may be able to purchase a landscape rake and other garden necessities affordably from online retailers.
2018 ·