Now that March Break is underway I can’t help but start thinking about getting ready for the warmer weather and all it has to offer. In this blog post we’re going to talk about getting your garden ready for spring. It’s a bit early to start planting but here are a few things you can do so that your garden is ready to go.
One of the first things you can do is to clear the mulch and debris from around your perennials and where you’ve got bulbs. This gives the bulbs the best chance of making an early appearance. You can cut back any dead stems on the perennials too.
Now that the beds have been cleaned up it’s a great time to top dress them. This involves spreading an inch or two of compost (or soil mix) on top of the soil. You can also top dress your lawn. This will help rejuvenate the soil and replenish its nutrients.
Remove any protective plant coverings. The general rule is they can be removed once there isn’t any risk of further frost. Usually the snow has melted & ground has started to thaw a bit. Experts suggest you remove the covers on a cloudy day or at the end of the day so the new buds don’t get burned by the spring sun.
Inspect your garden beds for any damage. Winter can be hard on wooden frames and you want to make sure that your beds are ready for when the soil is workable. This will give you some time to get them repaired so you’re ready to go when you want to start planting.
Next on the list...
Clean your gutters and downspouts. Making sure your gutters are cleared out early in the season will protect your home from damage by spring rains. Remove any debris, repair any holes & make sure the downspouts are clear.
Check the roof. Look for damage to shingles, if they are torn, missing or curled, also check for shingles that have missing granules.
Inspect the foundation. Complete a search of the exterior of your home, including the foundation, siding and brickwork. You are looking for cracks and leaks.
Clean & seal any decks & fences, don’t forget about railings, trellises, pergolas, and other outdoor structures. If rain beads on the surfaces they still have protection, if not it’s time to reseal them.
HVAC system: You should change the filters on your HVAC system at least once a season and having the system serviced at the beginning of the season is recommended.
After all the freezing and thawing in the winter, now’s a good time to patch any damaged areas on driveways and paths.
Check all windows & doors to make sure that screens are installed and in good shape and that the outside seals are still holding.
Now that you’ve dealt with your spring maintenance it’s time to sit back and relax.
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