Spring seems to be coming and going as it pleases this year, but that's a pretty common occurrence in Wyoming. On warm days we know that you are itching to get outside. You may be wondering 'What can I do to get ready for spring gardening in Wyoming?' and it can be hard to know what you can do while the weather is still iffy. So here are 5 tips for getting ready for this year's growing season when the weather is nice and you need to get out in the sun!
1. Plan your garden:
If you are as meticulous as we can be then you may want to start planning your garden out now. One of the best ways to plan is grabbing a pen and paper, and heading outside so you can see exactly what you are wanting to do this year. Are you wanting new trees or shrubs? Are you wanting to incorporate sod into your landscape? How about adding a trellis with a flowering vine? Maybe you want to try adding a special section in your yard for native plants? Now is a great time to get an idea of what you want so you know exactly what to get when its time to plant!
2. Get things tidied up out there!:
We are all guilty of it, spring cleaning is not the most thrilling thing in the world and it's easy to put off until the last minute, but the earlier its done the earlier you can enjoy a clean yard and start getting things planted! So this task should be higher up on your garden to-do list! Make sure to take it easy though, it doesn't all have to be done in one day ;)
3. Amend your soil:
If you didn't already in the fall, then spring is a great time to amend your soil with some organic material. Flower beds typically need about one inch of organic matter added every year in order to supply plants with all essential nutrients. This is especially important in vegetable gardens! Be sure to not till your soil when it is wet or saturated as it can lead to compaction and undesirable soil texture. Be sure to not add waste that is not fully composted if you are using your own organic compost. You can refer to our blog on soil testing for more information on how to prep your soil for spring.
4. Prune Fruit Trees:
The best time to trim your fruit trees is in Spring. This allows the left over buds to receive more energy from the tree to grow bigger and stronger, it also allows more light to reach your fruit to maximize growing. DO NOT REMOVE MORE THAN 1/4 OF THE TREE'S CANOPY, trimming more can cause irreversible damage to your tree. Keep in mind that trimming your tree in a triangular pattern is the best way to channel light to your fruit crops, the bottom of your tree should be the base of your triangle and the top of the tree should be the point of your triangle. It's all about balance and maximizing light!
**A note on Lilac shrubs: Lilacs are not fruit trees but it is important to note that Lilacs should not be pruned until after the blooms have died off. Please do not prune your Lilacs until after they bloom.
5. Plant cold-season veggies:
Quite a few of our favorite veggies grow best when it's colder outside. Many of these also grow extremely well from seed. Be it lettuce, peas, spinach, carrots, beets, radishes, kale, or turnips the possibilities are nearly endless! You may also consider planting these crops every 2-3 weeks to extend harvest. Make sure to have a way to cover your plants; a greenhouse, high/low tunnel, or plastic covering to removed during the day, these will help shield your plants from the extreme cold that often happens at night (or sometimes even during the day).
These are just a few tips, there are many other great things you can do to prepare your garden this year! If you need help or have questions, don't hesitate to message us on our website, Facebook, or Instagram so we can help answer your questions.
Happy Spring and Happy Planting!!
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