GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – As spring arrives, so does the gardening season. While we all prepare for a summer with plenty of vegetables, many steps should be taken to help your garden thrive.
Sustainably Speaking: Rainwater & Reuse
The first steps for a successful garden are a clean garden bed, starting with a nice reset by removing winter debris, which makes it look nicer and lessens the risk of pests and disease.
Soil is a fine factor that may require some tuning, as healthy soil works best when loosely compacted and mixed with organic matter such as enriched garden soil or compost.
Espoma organic soils and soil conditioners are a good choice to improve structure and fertility naturally. When using raised garden beds, this is especially important for strong root development.
Also, considering that you may be focusing on shrubs and trees rather than vegetables, now is a good time for pruning and shaping. The process of removing dead or damaged branches for shaping is much easier before they fully leaf out.
Assuming you have plants that re-bloom each year, a beneficial step can be slow-release organic fertilizer, which can provide nutrients over time without an excessive one-time amount.
In April, the best planting options may be hardy perennials, trees, and shrubs. Native plants can often be replanted during this time as well, which is very beneficial for pollinators and protecting streamlines.
Mulch is also helpful, as it aids in moisture but also makes your garden look better. A fresh layer of mulch can help with both moisture and weed control, providing a great way to cover large areas efficiently.
The best practice of them all is still just staying ahead. Applying pre-emergent weed controls and monitoring for pest activity is the best way to utilize early intervention.
Click here for more Sustainably Speaking stories!
While this practice may require a bit of extra time, it’s the simplest and most effective way to ensure your garden thrives.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has plenty of information and guides that can be found here on their Getting Started With Native Plants page.
