Getting your Garden Ready for Spring

Screen shot 2015-03-19 at 5.17.15 PMMarch break is coming to a close and it’s back to reality. Happily, tomorrow is officially the first day of spring and it shows signs of finally appearing. Easter comes early this year too. The Bunny himself is due on April 5th, so it’s time to start getting your garden ready for him. Here are some tips to get you started.

  1. Fruit trees and roses always benefit from being pruned back before new growth starts so tackle this one right away.
  2. It’s a great time to plant new bulbs like snow drops, crocus, daffodil, and tulips. Sprinkle Blood Meal to keep squirrels from eating them.
  3. If you had put mulch down to protect plants over the winter, you can go and rake it back now to help the new plants grow.
  4. If you want to add some trees to your garden, now is the perfect time. Trees improve heating and cooling costs, and can add thousands to the value of your home in appraisals. They are also just plain beautiful.
  5. Pansies are on sale for $2 each at Sheridan Nurseries at 2827 Yonge St. I noticed this week. They are hardy enough for the cooler nights and give your garden an early couple of weeks of colour.
  6. Divide perennials like hostas and irises right now, they’ll grow much better with some space.
  7. Screen shot 2015-03-19 at 5.31.58 PMEarly weeding, while not any fun, will help keep them in control, and as a bonus, it’s great exercise. It’s also a good time to apply organic fertilizer.
  8. A new urn full of daffodils, a wreath of dogwood blossoms and a couple of spring cushions (I love these ones at right from Pottery Barn) add finishing touches! Happy Spring!

Image of white pansies and tulips ©gardengatenotes.com