Resurrect a Healthy Garden! Tips That Will Help You Burst Into Spring.

By: Jessica Schmidt, Philanthropy Manager, NHS of Baltimore

Ahh Spring!
It is that time of year, the time when everyone begins to shake off their winter blahs and emerge energized for spring. If you are a first time homeowner, this may be your first spring in your house and your first chance to get dirty in your own yard. But where to start?

Experts say that with a few easy steps you will be off and running towards the garden of your dreams. Here are 4 easy tips that anyone, green thumb or not, should be able to handle:

1. Clean out the yard! Remove any winter debris, leftover leaves and other remains from past seasons. Rake the grass and give it a chance to get some spring sun. This is a great chance to survey your yard and plan out what you want to do. Do you want to put a patio in? Do you want to put in a new flower bed? Use this time to really think ahead, sprucing up your yard is a great investment not only for your enjoyment but for when you go to sell your home someday.

2. Sharpen your tools! First time gardener? Now is the time to get all your supplies together, a rake, lawnmower, shovels, etc. Determine the scale of your gardening ambitions and then hit nurseries and gardening supply stores. Their staff is knowledgeable and should be able to help you with any questions. Looking for a good deal? Spring is a great time to check out places like Craigslist for used equipment, which could still be in great shape, just be sure to really give the equipment a good evaluation before purchasing it.

3. Prepare those flower beds! Start cleaning out or building new flower beds as soon as the soil can be worked. Experts suggest spreading a 4-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure over soil, and cultivate it to a depth of 10 to 12 inches with a spading fork.

4. Bring on the plants! Before you make your plant purchases be sure to do some research or talk to gardening professionals about the best types of plants for your yard. Be honest about the type of sun you get, while some flowering plants are beautiful, they may not work in your yard, so do your homework. When purchasing plants, be sure to look them over carefully. Don’t immediately go for the ones in full bloom, rather looks for plants with healthy buds that are ready to bloom, much better to have them at their peak in your yard, not the store. Again, ask the professionals! That is what they are there for.

Hopefully these tips will put you on a path to your Garden of Eden. Remember that gardening takes time and effort, but the payoffs are big. Not only will you be able to enjoy it, but it will add curb appeal to your home for years to come, making it the most desirable house on the block.

Good Luck and happy digging!