Tips on Getting Ready for Spring

Spring is just around the corner, and that means gardens, lawns, and all the little things that make the outdoors fun. But taking care of the outdoors takes a little effort. Here are a few things you should do now to get an early start.

Dust off the Tractor

For the last few months your lawn and garden equipment have been sitting in the shed or garage gathering dust. It's time to brush them off, and give them a little tender loving care.

For machines like tractors, mowers, and weed eaters you should make sure they are clean, their blades are sharp, and the oil has been changed. If you left gas in the tank and did not use a stabilizer for the winter you may want to put some in, or add some new gas.

Once you've cleaned everything up you can start them up and make sure they sound right. Now they will be ready when the ground is dry.

Buy, Buy, Buy

Sales have just begun for seeds, new lawn and garden equipment, fertilizer, and any number of other items. If you start gathering them now, when there is time to look around and take your time, then you are more likely to get some deals.

The Nursery

The local nursery is the best place for information. You can ask when bare root trees will be available, prices, and types. You can also order specialty plants, or ask about different items they may have available.

Remember, different types of plants should be planted at different times of the year. Ask which ones are best planted in the spring, for lawn or garden, and get an early jump in your planning.

The Plan

All garden beds, weather vegetable or floral, benefit greatly from having a plan, both in aesthetics and in mechanics.

Take this time to draw a simple layout of your yard and sketch in sections where you may want specific flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Working in pencil allows you the chance to move things around, and experiment, before you dig anything up.

Research

The best time to learn what will work best in your garden, and how to care for it, is before planting season that way you don't loose any time in planting it.

There are some great books that can help you have a completely organic garden, or plant and produce any type of vegetable or fruit. There are also suggestions on which plants should be planted near one another to discourage pests. One of my favorite suggestions is to plant cabbages around the edge of a garden. Bugs love cabbages, and most of them will be drawn to the cabbage, and away from your flowers or vegetables. Then you simply pluck the cabbage and throw it away.

Take your time, and enjoy the last few days of winter, but don't forget your plans for the spring.