working on your spring garden
S pring has finally arrived. Technically, spring arrived March 20, while meteorological spring arrives March 1 and runs through May.
Already the big box and the independent garden centers are showing off their spring offerings. Verbena, geraniums, petunias and other plants are there. Fresh soil, compost and other soils amendments are arriving.
Some of the first projects a new or experienced garden want to do is to remove the leaves and debris from their garden beds. Just a few words of advice, slow down. One of the first steps that should be taken is to make a plan of what you want to accomplish during spring. Would you like to create new beds? Replace your trees and shrubs? Or add more color to the entrance of your home? Planning is the first step.
If you want to establish a new garden or refresh a new bed, a soil test is the first
The Johnson
County Master Gardeners Association maintains a garden near the Guinn Justice Center in
Cleburne.
Courtesy photo
step. A soil test will advise you if you need to add more nutrients to the soil depending on what you would like to grow.
A lovely Bermuda lawn has different requirements than a pollinator garden. A soil test can also help you determine if your soil is limestone based, red clay or black gumbo clay. The Johnson County Texas AgriLife Extension Office can assist you with that or visit soiltesting. tamu. edu.
Water is a crucial part of any garden. Irrigation systems can be installed. A drip hose in a bed is an option, just attach your regular garden hose to it. Or you can collect rain water. Plants that have a heavy need to water should be planted closer to where the water is. Plants that are drought tolerant, once established, can be planted further out.
Sunlight is another part of the equation for a new or existing garden. Trees and shrubs grow and once an area that was full sun, is now part shade or full shade. The same plants do not do well in those areas.
Most full sun plants, in our part of Texas, require six to eight hours of sunlight a day. Unless, they are planted facing the setting sun. The late afternoon sun from the west has the intensity of a full sun situation. Part shade requires four to six hours of sunlight, while full shade has none.
Space is another consideration when it comes to gardening. If you want to grow vegetables that vine, like melons, allow a minimum of 15 square feet per plant. Some annual plants will use up that much space or more, sweet potato vine will spread up to 25 feet. If you want some containers for color, most annual color will grow eight inches in circumference.
Many Master Gardener groups and plant societies will hold sales in the spring. Expect to find a large selection of native plants, perennials, cactus and other items need for sale. Also, advice will be available along with presentations. Enjoy your summer and keep on gardening.
Johnson County Master Gardener Joyce Block is a degreed horticulturist and is employed by the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
20 Community Life