Spring is officially here, and many New Jersey homeowners are getting out in the yard to get their hands dirty! However, some people feel a bit overwhelmed by their spring gardening chores. After all, there are so many things to consider, from soil types to fertilizing to watering schedules and more.
With some careful planning and a lot of love, your New Jersey garden will look lush and beautiful in no time. Neighborhood Compost is in the process of readying our gardens and crops for the spring, too! Here are five gardening tips we’ve learned to help you create a flourishing New Jersey garden.
Know your soil
Before planting anything new, take time to understand the type of soil in your garden. Soil types vary throughout New Jersey; some areas have sandy soil, while others have clay soil. Your soil type will determine what plants will do well in your garden. If you’re unsure what kind of soil you have, take a soil sample and have it analyzed by a local soil testing laboratory. This will tell you your soil’s pH levels and nutrient levels. It can also detect any potential contaminants.
Plant native species
Plants that are native to New Jersey’s climate, soil and weather conditions will grow best in your garden. Non-native species often have different water and fertilizer needs than native plants, which may complicate ongoing care. Native plants also attract local wildlife, such as birds and bees, which is great for your garden.
Use mulch
Mulch is a helpful addition to any garden. It helps retain moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds and moderates soil temperature. Mulch also prevents soil from drying out too quickly in the summertime. Choose a natural mulch, such as wood chips or shredded leaves, and spread it around your garden beds. Neighborhood Compost offers mulch a few times a year, so sign up for our newsletter to be notified when it’s ready!
Don’t overwater
New Jersey has started experiencing more severe weather conditions, with periods of drought and heavy rainfall. But don’t let this sway your watering schedule. Water your garden deeply and infrequently, rather than a little bit every day. This practice helps encourage plant roots to grow deep into the soil. It’s also important to water early in the morning to avoid evaporation. If you have the means to do so, opt for a drip irrigation system or soaker hose to get water directly to the roots.
Maintain your garden
Regular maintenance is essential in keeping your garden healthy. Prune plants to encourage healthy growth and remove dead branches. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and address any issues as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading to other plants in your garden.
Ultimately, gardening in New Jersey takes a bit of extra time and energy. But when you plan ahead and maintain a good care schedule, your garden will respond beautifully. Learn about your soil, find native plants, prune often and water wisely to ensure your garden thrives.
Neighborhood Compost offers fantastic composting pick-up services for the Northern New Jersey area. Our affordable compost plans make it easy for you to go green and lessen your carbon footprint. Contact us today to learn more!