While it’s only April, we bet there are many of you who are just itching to get back outside and get your hands into some good old-fashioned dirt. It’s definitely a season to anticipate. If this sounds like you, we have some ways, both old and more modern, to help make the wait a bit more bearable.
Go Vertical
This is such a popular trend and helps bring green spaces into places like condos, apartments, and smaller homes that we didn’t even conceive possible a decade ago. This is also a smart way to gussy up a place in your backyard that requires attention, like the side of an old shed or even an outer garage wall, or inner fence wall. To take advantage of the trend, you’ll need some lumber, most likely 2 x 4s. This is something you can easily pick up any time of the year at your local lumber yard or home center. You can start stocking up on the lumber now and even hammer your design into place while you await warmer weather for placement of your favorite annuals.
Dear Diary…
Reap the benefits of keeping a garden journal. While it is perhaps the most underrated garden “tool,” the garden journal allows you to record your observations as your planted projects grow. Note which weather conditions and animal interactions your plantings are subject to and the condition of your soil. Recording this information over time helps you build a resource and reference for future projects—perhaps avoiding future planting problems. The best part of this tip is it’s something you can start to look for now and there are so many cool journals to choose from. Any simple lined notebook will do, but you can also purchase one specifically designed for you to add not just your thoughts and observations, but sketches of your plots, plans, plants, and even photos! After all, if your garden has a good plot, you will want to write that down!
Hey, Rust Happens!
Get out that pruner now! It’s time to see if it has been collecting dust or, worse, rust! While the conscientious gardener cleans their tools after every use, we know the real world sometimes does not work that way. Some dirt and debris from last season can be addressed with a simple washing, but badly rusted tools may require removal with a course sandpaper, or even a wire bristle brush. You will also need to check to see if tools you use to cut and snip can do so efficiently and effectively. A dull blade can damage sensible stems and using tools that have been exposed to infected soil can spread the disease to other plants. Thankfully, the Internet is full of instructional videos on how to clean and sharpen every type of garden tool, so start viewing now for clean tools that will be up for the task when you are ready to slip on those garden gloves.
Mess Less
Even if your yard or shed is equipped with a potter’s table, you know how messy the top of it gets when planting—and how hard it can be to get that loose dirt cleaned up. Control your wayward potting soil by investing in a potting tarp. There are many simple helpers like this you may want to consider researching and purchasing now, so when the day to plant comes, you have all you need at the ready.
