Planting season is here and there are plenty of tasks that need to be completed in late spring in order to ensure success in your garden this summer. Best of all, spending some time in your garden now gives you a great excuse to enjoy May and June’s milder weather and sunny afternoons. Check out the gardening tips below to get a head-start on beautifying your lawn and garden going into the late spring months:
- Get your warm weather plants outside. Now that the threat of nighttime frost has passed, it is safe to get your tomatoes, peppers and other summertime veggies and herbs into your outdoor garden.
- Fertilize your lawn. Although it is important to apply fertilizer to grass in early spring in order to get your lawn prepared for the summer, it is also crucial to re-fertilize around early June in order to keep grass well-nourished.
- Keep your plants hydrated. Plants that have been newly planted need extra care to ensure they are receiving enough water, so making sure they are watered regularly is a must, especially as the weather becomes warmer. As the plants establish better root systems, they will need to be watered less frequently.
- Refresh your flowerbeds. Prune spring-flowering bulbs, such as tulips, and leave the foliage to dry naturally to prepare the plant for next year’s blooms. Meanwhile, plant some summer-flowering bulbs in beds or containers for gorgeous blooms throughout the hotter months.
- Get a handle on early summer pests. Staying one step ahead of insects and other pests is the best way to control a bug infestation that can wipe out your crops and hard work. Regularly check your plants for signs of damage caused by pests, as well as for larvae, so that they can be taken care of before they become big problems. Make sure to check the underside of plants as well, where larvae can be easily hidden.
- Attract the good guys. Planting coriander, dill, yarrow, alyssum and buckwheat to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies not only can help your garden grow, but can help eliminate bothersome pests.
- Use mulch. Mulch can be made out of all kinds of things, including grass clippings and composted coffee grounds, and adds necessary nutrients into the soil, as well as helps retain soil moisture. Adding mulch can also stop weeds from taking over your garden, and make the ones that do sneak through much easier to pull out.
- Keep weeds under control. Executing a plan now to keep weeds at bay is crucial, as waiting too long to remove them allows them to flower, resulting in more weeds. Hand-weeding and using a hoe are good ways to remove weeds without the use of chemicals, and shouldn’t be too difficult if mulch has been used, as mentioned above.
The gardening experts at Jolly Lane Greenhouse are here to help you with the items you need to keep your lawn and garden thriving all summer long. Stop in and see us, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions and make sure you get the items you need to keep growing!