For anyone who's been lucky enough to enjoy some time outdoors the past few weeks, it’s safe to say that “spring has sprung” in Ontario. With record-setting mild temperatures continuing as we come off of a very comfortable winter season, the sunshine and warmer weather have certainly got us daydreaming about the sunnier season that seems to be just around the corner. For the avid green thumb, this unusual shift in weather has signaled a (much) earlier start to the traditional spring season, encouraging gardeners to get a jump start on their spring garden prep. For new homeowners looking to set their gardens up for success this season, your local neighbourhood and property experts at Royal LePage Connect Realty have assembled the best spring garden prep tips to get you started.
Do a garden assessment
Before you can get started, you’ll want to do a garden assessment. With a thorough understanding of your space and the current status of your garden, you’ll be better equipped to plan for and establish the scope of work to be done in order to get your garden where you want it to be.
The purpose of a garden assessment is to establish the current health and status of your existing garden. If the winter was especially harsh, which hasn’t been the case in Toronto this year, but could be a different story in other parts of Ontario and throughout Canada, you may need to step in and do some damage control. Beyond just assessing the health of your existing vegetation and florals, you’ll want to have a look at all the components that make up your garden area, including any fences, pathways, and shed structures.
Trim and prune shrubs, hedges and trees
Trimming your shrubs and hedges is a great place to start as far as proactively preparing your garden. This means trimming up low branches, or removing them altogether. You’ll also want to cut any invasive branches back early in the season to avoid having to do this once buds start blooming.
Rake and remove any seasonal debris
A clean and tidy garden is a healthy garden. In order to prepare and prime your garden for planting, clearing off debris and dead grass is vital to ensuring a clean and healthy base for your garden to thrive with any new planting.
Without proper clean-up and clearing of your yard, any accumulated debris will make it difficult to promote healthy new growth, even with the addition of fresh soil and whatever other planting supplements you add into the mix.
Refresh and revive your soil
Speaking of soil, this is one of the most vital components to your spring garden prep. It all starts at the soil level, so here is where gardeners will want to take their time and do their research in order to arrive at the best soil selection and strategy for their gardens’ specific needs.
The best way to bring new life back to your soil is by adding compost. Organic debris added to the top surface level of soil will be absorbed and broken down via the soul beneath the surface. This process results in rejuvenated soil texture and available nutrients for any existing and new plants being planted for the season. When it comes to adding organic debris to the soil, the more the merrier - so don’t worry about being conservative or cautious when topping your soil up with this foolproof soil-reviving matter.
Do an inventory check on your go-to garden tools
Now it’s time to check the status of your shed and garden tools. After the winter season, when many items have been stored away for several consecutive months, homeowners will want to ensure everything is in working order, not rusted, and with proper charge or battery health for use.
For new homeowners, you may not have an existing shed structure on the property, and you might even be starting from scratch as far as garden tools. To help get you equipped with everything you need for a seamless gardening experience from one season to the next, here are some tips on building your garden toolkit:
- Gloves - safety first, and a sturdy pair of gloves will ensure your hands are protected and your grip is secure. Be sure to pick a pair that’s both waterproof and breathable with longer cuffs for added protection. Tip: to ensure the longevity of your gloves, store them out of sunlight and moisture, to keep them from drying out or attracting insects.
- Shears for pruning - a must-have tool for gardeners at every level of skill and interest. Your handy gardening shears will be a go-to tool and should be considered an investment. When selecting this all-important gardening tool, consider:
- Your general and specific gardening needs. Some shears are designed to work in most aspects of the garden, while others have been crafted to help gardeners accomplish specific tasks with skill and precision.
- Whatever the type of shears, they should fit in the palm of your hand comfortably and feel sturdy but easy to use without overly exerting yourself opening and clamping them closed.
- For those suffering with issues in hand mobility and strength or arthritis, the prescribed pruning shears would be “ratcheting pruners” like these.
- Spade - squared shovels with short handles, these tools are the ones that will bear the brunt of it as you manage the more laborious garden tasks such as: edging, digging holes, moving dirt, lifting sod and more. This tool can be costly, but if you make the investment for a quality one from the start, it should last you for many years to come.
- Rake - a tidy garden is a healthy garden, and clearing seasonal debris is the key to making room for your plantings to breathe and grow. Look for a rake that offers adjustable features and be mindful of material - plastic is more lightweight and easier to handle on delicate garden surfaces, while steel-made rakes will last you longer but do pose a risk to delicate flower beds.
- Hoe - most often used for prepping garden beds and trimming back weeds, your garden hoe should be selected with your specific garden needs in mind, as styles do vary quite a bit. One thing to look for regardless of the specific style you opt for is a hoe with a comfortable and long-reaching handle.
- Garden hose - water is life when it comes to your garden. With countless options for hoses and adjustable nozzles, you won’t have any trouble finding one that suits your needs for use and garden specifications as far as storing and accessibility.
A few more garden tools to look into as you build on the basics include: watering wand, hand trowel and wheelbarrow, to name a few. Check in with your local garden centre and ask for some tips specific to your spring garden goals to get an expert’s take.
Start your seeds indoors
Seasoned gardeners know the best way to get a jump on your spring garden is by planting seeds indoors and transferring them into your outdoor garden once the weather permits.
Get planning for the garden of your dreams
Now that you’ve got your garden tidy, prepped and ready for planting, you can get started mapping out your dream garden.
This is all about planning a garden that balances your personal garden wants with the specifications of your garden. Considerations like garden space, local climate, shaded versus sunny garden exposure and desired florals and layout will all play a factor in helping you arrive at the right garden plan for you.
It’s the season for new blooms and fresh starts. Are you looking to make a move this season and find the home - and garden - of your dreams? Contact us today so we can help you make it happen!
Curious to know more about trending topics like this and the many communities that Connect Realty serves? Check out our Community Information page for more information and active local property listings today! Our award-winning team will be happy to supply you with information on up-and-coming residential projects like the ones mentioned above - and more! Don’t be the last to know - let Connect Realty keep you ahead of the game.
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