Posted on February 22, 2024 by Van Becelaere Greenhouse

Spring is just around the corner, and for avid gardeners, it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming planting season. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, ramping up your garden will ensure a successful and bountiful spring harvest. Today’s blog post explores essential tips and techniques to prepare your garden for spring planting.

Proper Preparation Makes for a Bountiful Garden

As the days grow longer and warmer, you can begin preparing your garden for spring planting by:

• Assess Your Garden
• Garden Soil Amendment
• Plan Your Garden Planting Layout
• Start Seeds Indoors
• Clean and Maintain Garden Tools

Completing these steps will set the stage for a thriving garden. Remember, proper preparation and care are critical to harvesting a beautiful and bountiful garden this growing season.

Assess Your Garden

Before diving into spring planting, it’s crucial to assess the current state of your garden. Take a walk around your yard and evaluate the condition of your soil, the health of existing plants, and the overall space you have to work with this season. Identify any areas that need improvement or attention, such as weed-infested sections or soil that requires additional nutrients.

Garden Soil Amendment

Healthy soil is at the foundation of any prosperous garden. Begin by removing weeds or debris from the planting beds. Next, till the soil using a garden fork or hoe, breaking up compacted areas and improving drainage.

Consider having your soil tested to identify the pH level and nutrient content. Based on the results, amend the soil with organic matter, compost, or specific fertilizers to optimize its fertility.

Plan Your Garden Planting Layout

A well-planned garden layout is essential for efficient use of space and proper plant growth. Consider the sunlight exposure, wind patterns, and the mature size of each plant.

Create a planting plan that maximizes sunlight for sun-loving plants and provides adequate space for taller plants to avoid shading smaller ones. Finally, group plants by water and nutrient requirements to simplify your garden maintenance.

Start Seeds Indoors

Starting seeds indoors is an exciting and cost-effective way for many gardeners to kickstart the planting season. Select the seeds of your desired plants and sow them in seed trays or containers filled with seed-starting mix.

Then place somewhere near a south-facing window to receive sufficient light, warmth, and moisture for germination. As the seedlings grow, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden.

Clean and Maintain Garden Tools

Before the gardening season is in full swing, it is essential to clean up and perform general equipment maintenance on all your garden tools. You’ll be well-equipped for smooth and efficient gardening tasks by keeping your tools in good condition.

Begin by removing dirt or debris from shovels, hoes, and pruners, and completely dry your manual garden tools before storing them away to prevent rust from forming. Sharpen blades and oil moving parts to ensure optimal performance.

Stop in at Van Becelaere Greenhouse

For all your garden needs and supplies, stop by the Van Becelaere Greenhouse in Pittsburg, Kansas, to begin prepping your garden for this upcoming planting season. Their team is made up of home gardeners (just like you) and professional gardeners who can help you find whatever it is you need:

• From Plants to Seeds
• Fertilizer to Compost
• Lawnmowers to Handheld Garden Tools

They carry everything you need for a successful garden season. Call Van Becelaere today at 620-231-1127 for a head start on your weekend.