Warm weather is on the way, and it's officially spring in New Jersey! Get ready to shake off those winter blues and start thinking about early spring maintenance for your lawn and garden. You can prepare your yard for spring in several ways, from aerating your soil for grass seed to fertilizing your flower beds for new bulbs.
Neighborhood Compost has a local farm in New Jersey, so we’re getting ready for spring right along with you. We’ve talked with some gardening experts to learn more about preparing your backyard for spring and how to encourage your flowers and lawn to grow.
Test and prep your soil
Like most things, it’s best to start from the ground up. The same goes for you and your lawn, yard or flowerbed. Early spring is the best time to test and prep your soil for the coming warmer months. You can either use an at-home soil kit test or send soil samples to a lab for analysis.
Be sure to test your soil’s pH levels, dampness and temperature. Depending on what you’re trying to grow, you may need to add fertilizer or coffee grounds to fortify it. Once the soil is ready, you can prepare for planting!
Clear away debris and leaves
From heavy rains to freezing temperatures, backyards face a lot of harsh weather during the winter months. These conditions often create a lot of debris, like scattered leaves, rocks, garbage and bark dust.
Take time to clear away old debris and cluttered topsoil. Cleaning out foreign elements will create a nourishing space for things to grow.
Trim trees and bushes
The best time to trim back your trees and bushes is in early spring. Even if it’s still a bit chilly out, this practice will encourage your trees and bushes to grow, creating more foliage.
If you’re unsure how much to trim, start conservatively and prune the entire plant. Keep an eye on its overall shape, so you don’t accidentally thin it out too much.
Install a rain barrel
There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint and increase your eco-friendly practices. One way to do this is to make your own rain barrel. You’ll save money on water bills by using rainwater to water plants throughout spring and summer.
Rain barrels are easy to use and a passive way to save money while helping the environment. Composting is another easy way to help lessen your carbon footprint, whether you compost at home or use a composting pickup service.
Adjust and reorganize your garden
Take a moment to think back on how your plants performed last spring and summer. Did any of your plants grow poorly? Were there bald patches on your lawn?
Try deciphering what changes you might need to make to your yard or garden. If you need to relocate a plant or bush, it’s best to do it in early spring. This gives the plant enough time to recover for the warmer months.
Let's get to it
The best way to ensure a fruitful summer is to have a busy spring! While gardening and yard maintenance may be time-consuming, it’s also incredibly therapeutic and rewarding. By taking time to give back to mother earth, you’ll help the world look brighter and greener.
Neighborhood Compost is committed to educating the community on simple, easy ways to help the environment. Whether it’s conserving rainwater or using composting services, we’re here to support you! Let us know if you have any questions about our work; we’d love to connect.
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