As we prepare to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring, many of us are beginning to plan out what home outdoor projects need to be tackled.
The warm sun, blooming buds, chirping birds, and green grass remind us that the winter dormancy season is almost at an end.
One of the first projects we should be assessing is how to prepare our flower beds for a successful spring!
Let’s talk about five key components that will ensure your flower beds stay thriving this upcoming season!
Assess Your Tools
Before you start getting your hands dirty, it’s crucial that you first take time to assess your current gardening tools (gloves included).
Think back to the previous spring season, were there any tools you were missing that would make this spring season easier to tackle? If so, jot them down and head to your favorite local supply store to pick them up.
As for the tools currently in your arsenal, give them a thorough inspection. Are any of them broken or rusted? If so, consider replacing those entirely.
Afterward, make sure to clean all your tools thoroughly.
This is also the time to sharpen any blades that have become dull, oil any tools to prevent corrosion and lubricate ones that are becoming stiff or squeaky.
Don’t forget to assess how much soil, compost, and fertilizer you have and which ones you may need more of. Along with checking all your gardening gloves to see if any need replacing as well.
Clean Up Debris
Once you’ve completed the task of assessing your tools, it’s time to get to work cleaning up any debris in those flower beds!
Start by removing all the old mulch, dead leaves, and any loose trash that may have flown in from winter storms. Next, inspect all of your plants. If any are now dead, it’s time to dig them up entirely and dispose of them.
After all of these items are removed, it’s time to tackle any visible weeds! Start the spring season off right by fully digging up any weeds you may see.
Be sure to dispose of these carefully, and clean any tools you used in the process to ensure you don’t accidentally spread any roots/remains.
Once all the debris and weeds are removed spray your flower beds with a Selective Pre-Emergent Herbicide. This is an imperative step as the weeds’ growing season will soon begin.
Cut Back & Prune
Early spring is the optimal time to prune some of your shrubs, trees, and perennials. Look for any remaining plants that are overall healthy, but may have a few dead stems.
If anything like this fits the bill in your flower bed, make sure you cut back any of those dead areas.
Some shrubs and trees can benefit from being reshaped in the spring.
However, before you start cutting, make sure that your specific plant will benefit from being pruned in early spring (as some may benefit more in the summer or fall).
Once you know that your plants are good to go, prune them back accordingly. Don’t forget to remove all stems and foliage that have been cut and pruned.
Divide Your Perennials
If you have any perennials in your flower beds, inspect them closely and determine if any are becoming overcrowded.
Divide up these overgrown plants, (before they have bloomed), and replant the newly separated clumps.
To save some money this spring, plant some of the divided perennials in other flower beds around your home, or ask a neighbor or friend if they could use any in their flower beds.
Dividing them up will now allow your perennials the space they need to flourish this spring season.
Prepare, Feed, and Protect the Soil
One of the last steps in preparing your flower beds for spring is ensuring that the soil is healthy and protected. Wintertime can often cause the soil to become heavy and compact.
That’s why it’s important for homeowners to aerate, till, or turn over their soil. Once your soil is loosened you can begin to “feed it”. Add in any compost you have or fertilizer you like to use.
These options can help restore your soils pH balance while also providing your plants an immense nutrient boost. With this newly refreshed soil, you can begin planting any new greenery, shrubs, or flowers.
Lastly, don’t forget to mulch! Mulch is crucial to any flower bed as it helps the area to retain water, but is also a fantastic weed deterrent. Apply a thick layer of new mulch, about 3-4 inches high.
This amount will help lock in all the nutrients from the compost or fertilizer you added, while also keeping the ground as dark as possible, preventing the sun from reaching (or encouraging) any new weed growth.
Should you decide to plant something new after the area has been mulched, gently rake back the layer of mulch and plant it carefully.
Enjoy Your Prepped Flower Beds
Now that you’ve properly prepared your flower beds, you can sit back knowing they will thrive this spring season! As neighbors drive, or walk, by, they’ll surely notice the new curb appeal to your home.
Spring is a great time to not only prepare your flower beds, but to also prepare your lawn, trees, and other ornamentals.
At Gecko Green, we provide a wide variety of services to take the stressful burden off the homeowner. From Lawn Care Service, Bed Weed Control, Mosquito Control Service, and more, we’re here to help your lawn flourish!
With over 30 years of experience servicing the North Texas area, our trained technicians offer professional service with noticeably different results. Call us today!
