Remember Me
forgot your password?

Jumpstart the Spring Garden - Gardening Tips for March & April

Snowdrops stand guard over tiny daffodil buds. Daylight is lingering a bit longer. The snow is receding and the robins are returning. The big thaw has begun. There's no denying the signs. Spring is right around the corner.

If you're like me, you can't wait to get your hands into the soil. While you're holding out for higher temperatures, there's plenty you can do today to jumpstart the spring gardening season.

Sow Seeds Indoors

Take a trip to your local nursery or home store and buy seeds to start indoors. In March I like to start annual flowers for my pots and containers. Currently, I have Coleus, Zinnias, Impatiens, Petunias and Marigolds germinating. Follow the seed packet instructions and you'll get excellent results. Some plants will take longer than others to bloom or bear fruit, so plan accordingly. This is also a great time for starting culinary herbs and vegetables. If you're looking for something new this year, try moonflower vine or cathedral bells to climb your fence or trellis. Both can be started from seed. If you have children, get them involved. Many children have a natural affinity for gardening. It's a great quality to encourage and nurture in them.

Dust Off The Birdhouses

I put my birdhouses out in early March. Small birds like chickadees will be actively searching for appropriate homes to raise their families. Mine were up for less than 24 hours before the home tours began.

Give Your Garden Tools A Checkup

Take your pruning shears and other cutting tools to your local hardware store for cleaning, oiling and a good sharpening. On a warm day you may want to assess your lawnmower. Take it in for servicing or a tune up now-while you can. Many lawnmower repair centers are swamped shortly after the season starts. It's one tool you don't want to be without.

Get Inspired

Order your garden catalogs. Purchase your favorite garden magazines. Here in the northeast, there's nothing like winter time to remind me how valuable my summer garden space is. Create a wish list of new plants, design features and outdoor furniture. With a little planning, you won't be overwhelmed when May rolls around.

Seek Out Indoor Gardening Events

In March there are countless indoor garden, flower and landscaping expos. If you can't find anything in your local area, a day or weekend trip to a flower show might be just what you need. Look for a botanical garden or arboretum with indoor facilities. In my area we have Longwood Gardens. It has year round indoor gardens and the displays are fantastic.

Clean Out Your Beds

As soon as the snow has melted and the weather permits, you can clean out your beds. It's a good time to rake and clear your planting areas of dead branches, leaves and debris. I like to mulch as soon as possible in the spring, while there's still plenty of space between the emerging bedding plants.

Learn A Landscape Design Software Program

There are so many inexpensive landscaping software programs available today, many of them under $50.00US. During the winter months you'll have plenty of time to learn how to operate the system.

Create and sample new designs before digging. Take advantage of the overhead and 360 degree views. Many of the programs now offer a 3D walk through feature. It simulates the experience of walking through an actual garden. You can also advance the garden timeline into the future to see what it will look like when the plants and trees mature. It's a wonderful creative tool to beat the winter blues!

Call Your Landscaper Now

If you're planning to use a professional landscaper this year, make sure to schedule your work as far in advance as possible. When the ground is soft enough for digging, landscapers will be working overtime to keep up with the volume.

Book Your Garden Tours Now

Scour the internet for local and regional garden tours. Find out when tickets go on sale and plan ahead. I've often read announcement lists in the newspaper after I've already made other plans. There's nothing like visiting other people's gardens for encouragement and inspiration.

I hope these suggestions get you motivated to take action. The sooner you get started on your garden plans-the more time you'll have to enjoy the rest of the season. Happy Gardening!

© 2007 John Conti

John Conti

John Conti is a landscaper and publisher of Stellasyard.com | The Soulful Garden. Visit his web site for how to articles, advice and free design plans. Beginners are welcome.
http://stellasyard.com

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish


  • Latest Home and Family Articles
  • More from John Conti

Sliding Glass Patio Doors: Pre-Installation Tips

By: Cristian Stan | 11/11/2009
One of the first things to consider before thinking of installing a glass patio door yourself is, are you up to it? By that I mean are your DIY skills and tool kit up to it?

Replacing Your own Patio Doors

By: Cristian Stan | 11/11/2009
Is your patio door looking tired and weather beaten, has it seen better days? Patio doors do tend to get a bit of a hammering with all that Mother Nature throws at it.

Modern Patio Doors - Choosing the Right One for You

By: Cristian Stan | 11/11/2009
Due to modern advances in window and door technology it is possible to buy patio doors that will match your overall building design. There are many features available such as Georgian and mock Tudor designs and a choice of hard-wood or PVC.

Make a Home Improvement Scrapbook

By: Joe Cline | 11/11/2009
Going through a home improvement project is often an exciting time for homeowners. Many people want to have their dream homes but cannot afford them at the time they are ready to buy a house. They instead purchase a fixer upper, and decide later to renovate and improve the structure. Deciding to undertake a home improvement means moving closer to that dream home, and you may decide to commemorate the experience by recording the event in a scrapbook.

40th Birthday Party Ideas - Top 8 Dos And Don'ts To Make It A Milestone To Remember

By: Linda Kling | 11/11/2009
Do you want to throw a 40th birthday party that truly celebrates the life of the guest of honor? Then it's time to focus on that special person and make this a happy occasion. Here are the top dos and don'ts to help get you there.

Things to Consider Before Investing in Wood Play Sets

By: Mike McCube | 11/11/2009
One of the great things about wood playsets is that you get to indulge your little kids and let them have all the fun and adventure they need in their childhood. When the weather is great and you want to join in the fun with your kids, nothing is better...

Foods To eat When Pregnant: Get To Know Your Food During Pregnancy

By: Roger Noonan | 11/11/2009
Finding out that they are pregnant is a wonderful time for most women. However the newly expectant mother soon begins to reconsider all aspects of her current activities from the viewpoint of the well-being of her unborn child. An important consideration at this time should be her pregnancy diet. A good knowledge of the correct foods to eat when pregnant is essential for every mother-to-be if she wants to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy.

Surviving Hostage Takings

By: Kerry | 11/11/2009
This article is a good starting point for teaching your family how to survive hostage takings, armed robberies and home invasions. The article details simple, practical and proven tips and techniques to help you and your family survive.

Jumpstart The Spring Garden - Gardening Tips For March

By: John Conti | 19/03/2007 | Gardening
Snowdrops stand guard over tiny daffodil buds. Daylight is lingering a bit longer. The snow is receding and the robins are returning. The big thaw has begun. There's no denying the signs. Spring is right around the corner. If you're like me, you can't wait to get your hands into the...

Garden Design by the Senses

By: John Conti | 06/02/2007 | Gardening
How to create a beautiful and meaningful garden using the five senses as your guide.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (2.73, 0, w1)