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Spring planting pointers
Many people view spring as a season of rejuvenation . That renewal may be somewhat metaphorical for human beings , but it ’ s literal for lawns and gardens that begin to grow anew as temperatures rise and hours of daylight increase in spring .
Each spring presents an opportunity for homeowners to get back outside and tend to their gardens . As the temperatures rise , homeowners can consider these spring planning pointers to ensure their landscapes look lush and full in the months ahead .
• Start with the soil . Soil can serve as the starting point each spring . Winter can take its toll on a garden and even overwhelm the area with debris over the colder months . Clear rocks and other debris from the area before loosening the soil . The Farmer ’ s Almanac recommends loosening soil to a depth of at least eight inches if planting a new garden . An existing garden may only need to be loosened to a depth of around six inches , after which homeowners can mix compost into the soil in early spring . Compost is organic matter that provides nutrients and helps to build strong plant roots .
• Consider a raised garden in colder climates . The Farmer ’ s Almanac notes raised gardens can help homeowners in colder climates dry out and warm up wet , cold soils more quickly . Homeowners in such regions also can cover their beds with black plastic or cardboard prior to planting . Doing so can protect the beds from late-season snow and spring rains and also helps to overcome erosion .
• Take soil temperatures . Unpredictable weather is among the noticeable effects of climate change in recent years . That lack of predictability can make spring planting a little more tricky than it once was . Experts note that soil temperatures around 50 F are best for cool-season crops , while soil should be 60 F or warmer when planting warm-weather plants such as tomatoes .
• Work with a garden center to identify what to plant . The right plants for one region may not be ideal for another , so homeowners are urged to work with a local landscaper or garden center before planting . Such a consultation can be especially useful for homeowners planting a new garden . Landscapers and garden center professionals will know which plants work in the local climate .
• Consider planting vegetables in the spring . Various garden experts note that spring is an ideal time to plant a vegetable garden . If planted at the right time , a vegetable garden can save homeowners money on their grocery bills and provide a season ’ s worth of fresh veggies . Lettuce and spinach are sun- and shade-friendly vegetables , which can make them good options for a spring garden . Cool-season root vegetables , which include beets , carrots and swiss chard , are some other notable veggies that can thrive in early spring .
Spring is a season of rejuvenation for gardens . That ’ s even more true when homeowners consider some conventional planting wisdom in early spring . n
Thomasville Scene | March 2025 69