Spring Landscaping

Plotting out what you want to do this spring and summer in your backyard, outdoor entertainment area, or land in general can be daunting but with some paper, a few seed catalogs, and some patience you will have a great head start. Choosing what you want in your garden, preparing your lawn, and managing your time can make your energy spent outside satisfying and productive.

Mapping out your land

Before you start digging you will want to design your land on paper. Where do you want certain plants and why? Will you use the plants in your kitchen or are they simply for cosmetics? These questions will also help you decide if you want an herb, vegetable, or flower garden.

While there are a million ways to design landscaping with gardening, many people like to start out with these three options. A vegetable garden can be fun for the whole family and will be incredibly rewarding come harvest time. An herb garden will also be rewarding and if preserved properly in vinegar, jams, shrubs, or spices can last all year long. Flower gardens may take a bit more time outside but can make a home look incredibly inviting and the aroma around it heavenly.

Once you decide on plants and landscaping it is time to start preparing the soil. Once it starts warming up you will want to begin preparing the soil. By hand weeding or rototilling you can create a great plot for your plants. Another way to prepare the soil is by using compost. If you are able to invest time and energy in composting this can be a fantastic way to prepare nutrient rich dirt for years to come. If not you should make sure the dirt is aerated and watered well before you plant your veggies, herbs or flowers.

Once you have planted you may want to purchase mulch to help feed the plants and keep them warm. This will encourage growth and a better yield later on in the season. Buying mulch from a local farmer or garden store is often the best. While you can purchase mulch from larger chain stores local providers will have used the same dirt, trees, and nutrients that are common to your area.

Start slow

It’s good to be excited but remember that starting small can be the best. Don’t be afraid to only buy a few plants. As the seasons come and go you can always add more plants and redesign your space. Once you become more confident you can create more elaborate and beautiful landscaping. So get a pencil and some paper and think spring!