5 Tips for Spectacular Spring Gardening

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

April Issue 114

Article Provided By: Wendy @ Bloomfield Garden Centre

After a long winter, spring can feel like it’s a long time coming. We’re all anxious for the sight of crocuses and tulips, and the gardeners among us are desperate to get our fingers in the soil.

But before you dash outside, take a few moments to plan, and your garden will look all the better for it. Here are five tips for an awesome gardening season:

Get seedy

Starting a few seeds in a sunny window is a very easy way to get a jump on the season, and it’s easier than you might expect:

•    Seeding trays with clear, plastic domes will help your seeds germinate better, and there are even inexpensive versions with supplemental lights.

•    Resist the temptation to plant a whole packet of seeds if you don’t want that many plants. You can always save some for next year.

•    Check the seed packet to see how long your selected plants will take to reach maturity, or when they should bloom. Then calculate back so that you seed indoors at the correct time.

Contain your enthusiasm

Containers are a great way to create a splash wherever you’d like a little more colour, and they’re wonderfully flexible:

•    If you have trouble waiting for that last frost, plant containers inside and gradually harden them off by putting them outside on warm days.

•    You don’t have to stop with the front steps and deck – a bold planter on the lawn, or even in a bed, will create a stunning focal point.

•    Single-variety containers are a great way to showcase your favourite plants.

•    If you prefer containers with more than one variety, remember to use different textures as well as different colours.

Think edible

There are few things more satisfying than serving fruit and vegetables fresh from your own garden.

•    Plant vegetables close together, and a patch as small as 5’ x 10’ can provide a season-long harvest.

•    Consider planting right in your beds alongside the ornamentals. Strawberries, fruit bushes and vegetables such as swiss chard, peppers or tomatoes can add a great touch of colour and don’t leave a gap when they’re harvested.

Build the soil

Healthy plants start with healthy soil. Use plenty of organic matter to create ‘living’ soil:

•    Compost, humus and well-composted manure will improve the texture and drainage of your soil, and add essential nutrients for your plants.

•    Be wary of mixing materials like bark chips, sawdust and other ‘semi-composted’ matter into your soil. Although they might help improve the texture or drainage, it’s important to remember that, as these materials break down and decompose, they will actually draw nitrogen away from the soil.

•    Consider setting aside a small area for a compost bin. Instead of heading to the landfill, your waste veg can become a free supply of beautiful, nutritious soil.

Keep it natural

When you build rich, healthy soil, it’s much easier to avoid using chemicals:

•    Healthy plants are less attractive to bugs.

•    Healthy soil watered with compost tea will be packed with every nutrient your growing plants could desire.

•    Companion planting is a great way to discourage bugs. That’s a topic for an entire article on its own, but if you’re interested in learning more, there’s plenty of information online.

Finally, a word of caution. We should expect a few ‘false-springs’ before we’re finally done with Old Man Winter – you know those warm weeks in April or early May when the sun is shining, the birds are singing and the trees are budding. Remember we’re just being teased, and avoid the temptation to plant outside until after the May long weekend, or you’ll probably be planting twice.

Here at Bloomfield Garden Centre, we’re love talking about gardening, so be sure to stop by if you have more questions.

 

By-line:

Wendy Zak is owner of Bloomfield Garden Centre, located just off Highway 1 between Langdon and Strathmore. Come check out their fabulous selection of one-off containers, locally grown plants, gardening accessories and gifts. Or just come for a wander round their beautiful location, and a chat with their knowledgeable gardening enthusiasts. www.bloomfieldgardencentre.net. 403-466-7978.