Although spring is not yet around the corner, it just makes sense to start preparing your NJ garden as early as February or March. These are great months to prep your garden for the coming spring. It is during this time where you get some mild weather that is just perfect for garden preparation before you finally get busy planting seeds in spring.
Fertilize the Soil
Perhaps you did not fertilize your trees last winter. If so, the best time to do it is now. Dig little holes two feet apart from the drip line, making sure the holes are two inches deep. Fill them up with fertilizer, and you can rest assured that your plants will be healthy when spring comes.
At the end of the month, you can also start fertilizing your shrubs. These shrubs include all kinds of plants, such as roses. Each type of plant requires a different fertilizer so make sure you have the appropriate one. Also, follow the instructions on the packet. Some fertilizers need to be diluted and placed in specific areas only.
Prune Your Plants
During the winter, many plants may have started wilting. Many people say that pruning should not be a winter chore, but this is not entirely true. Consult with your landscaper to find out which shrubs will be blooming in spring. Some of them might benefit from pruning right before the warmer days of spring arrive in NJ.
Some plants like the pirea and forsythia must be pruned after spring, right after they have started flowering. You can also prune them before fall when they are starting to bud in preparation for the following year’s bloom.
Mulch Around
March is a great month for this activity. Mulch around your shrubs and trees using compost manure. You can add extra nutrients to the soil and soon you will realize that your plants thrive on this.
For a flower garden, the best manure type is a combination of cow and horse manure, which can be applied early during the spring season. Manure is also good for a vegetable garden, and you can also add it during the fall and spring. Plus, consider applying compost at the beginning of March to help the soil recuperate.
Plant Your Seeds
Yes, you can do a little bit of outdoor planting early in March. The soil isn’t always frozen and cold, and many plants will survive this weather. Examples of these are spinach, radishes, and peas. Some plants are sturdy against cold and when planted during this month. The best time to plant them is often toward the end of March, depending on the weather conditions. Just make sure you keep them under cover. Once you see the first crocus bloom, you can now plant cabbages, onion, and lettuce. Keep them covered at night to keep them protected from the severe cold that might creep in a few more nights before spring comes.
Cleaning Up
Before you can start gardening, a spring cleanup should be done. A professional landscaper can get rid of dead branches, dried leaves, and other debris that builds during the fall and winter. Eliminating it clears your yard for gardening and makes your NJ property look beautiful.
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