Get Ready for Spring Now in 5 Steps

We blinked…and it’s already a new decade! It’s hard to believe that the time is going so quickly. While the Illinois weather has been a bit mild and confusing lately, it’s actually time to start thinking ahead to our Spring Plans! With that in mind, we put together a few steps for the Garden this Spring season.

1. Inspect your Area!

When the snow melts, and you can get a good view of your yard, garden and surrounding areas, it’s a great time to have a look and see how well they survived this Winter. If you have raised beds, check them to see about the wood splitting, separation, and the overall foundation state. Check pathways for splits or leaking as well. If you have a fence around your yard, or garden area, give them a good once over to ensure that they’re in good standing and will keep any animals out once your garden is all planted.

2. Clean Up!

This is where you put in the work from that inspection. Get your fence, planter boxes and garden beds up to snuff. Once they are all ready to go…start cleaning them out. Once your ground is thawed, get rid of any old weeds, mulch and debris from last year’s harvest. Give those planters a good cleaning and ensure that any bug infestations that might have taken over are not going to invade your new plants. As we move a bit closer into Spring you’re going to want to prune back your shrubs and perennials as well. Watch out for cocoons.

3. Take Inventory!

Now is a good time to take a stroll through your garden shed to see what pottery will live to see another day, or those that need to be thrown to the wolves!  J  Seriously though, those old pots that are cracked and broken….just because you have had them for years. Out with the old, and in with the new (when necessary).

4. Make Your Shopping List!

Once you know what you need and what you want … start making your list! Head to Ekana Nursery in early spring and get a jump on the crowds to get your hands on all of your new gardening goods. It wouldn’t hurt to restock your fresh soil and fertilizer. Don’t forget to grab those indoor gardens!  

5. Get Started!

Even though you might live in a chilly climate, you don’t need to wait until its 50 degrees out to start planting! Get a jump on the season with indoor starter gardens. They’re great for tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage and more. It’s also a good way to get a LARGE crop started. When you have a lot of seeds that need to be planted, it helps to be a bit ahead of the game. Most importantly though…DON’T FORGET TO LABEL YOUR CONTAINERS!  J You will thank us later!