Spring is officially just a few days away, and Sturbridge Homes in Maryland look beautiful in full bloom! Homeowners in our area plant everything from perennial flowers to vegetable crops, regional trees, and decorative shrubs. Will you be planting this season? If so, we’re here to help you prepare for a flourishing garden!
Pick Your Growing Location
Whether you’re a first-time gardener or an experienced green thumb, picking an optimal place to plant your flowers, shrubs and vegetables will ensure success!
If you already have an established garden, now is the time to clean it up:
- Remove leaves, sticks, and other winter debris
- Pull weeds at the roots
- Add fresh nutrients with new soil or manure
- Trim any existing plants that will bloom soon
- Add a layer of mulch to prevent weed growth
If this is your first garden, keep things simple. Choose a spot that’s convenient to get to from your tool shed or garage. Make sure there’s a hose or water source nearby for easy care.
Take note of sunlight throughout the day. Some plants will need direct sun for several hours, but other plants may mostly prefer shade. Be strategic about where you position the garden itself, and where you plant the seeds, bulbs or sprouts. You know what they say, “location, location, location!”
Prep Your Gardening Supplies
If you already have a slew of gardening supplies, it’s time for spring cleaning and organization. Assess your inventory and stock up on consumables like mulch or fertilizer. Sharpen any tools to make sure your pruning creates clean, healthy cuts this season.
For newbie gardeners, hit the store with this list of must-have gardening essentials.
Know When To Plant In Maryland
Flowers and vegetables thrive in different climates and environments. It may seem obvious, but a desert cactus won’t do well in a cold, rainy state, and a tree or shrub that needs abundant water won’t do well in the desert. Even something as simple as your local soil can have a major impact on the health of your garden. So choosing the right plants for your specific region will give you the best chance for growth.
It’s also crucial to plant seeds and sprouts at the right time. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Planting Calendar for Maryland is a great resource for gardeners in our area. The Almanac let’s you narrow your search down to the city you live in, and then scroll through a list of plants that do well and when to plant them.
Plan A Maintenance Schedule
Once you have your plants in the ground, they’ll need proper ongoing maintenance. Each plant is different, so do your research. Some will need daily care, and others might be hands-off for a week, a month or more.
Know which chores you need to track (i.e. watering, pruning and fertilizing) and write it all down on an easy-to-follow schedule.
Do you have an indoor or outdoor garden at your Sturbridge Home? We’d love to see it! Share a picture of your blooming garden on our Facebook page.