Prep Tips for the Perfect Garden
Sunshine and warmer weather make spring the perfect time to break out your green thumb. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your flower beds or plant vegetables and herbs, prepping your garden is a must. Check out these tips to ensure you have a successful garden!
Fertilizers for soil types
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service reports Lubbock county is made up of silty loam and silty clay loam soils. What does that mean for your garden? You’re in luck! Loam soil, made up of silt, sand and clay, is ideal for most garden plants, as it’s well-draining and holds nutrients well.
Still, your garden bed may need some help to keep your plants thriving. Fertilizer can help provide beneficial nutrients for your plants. Use a slow-release in early spring for flowers, and a liquid fertilizer for produce gardens. Adding a layer of compost and mulch can help protect the top soil and plant roots from extreme temperature changes and helps with water retention.
Best plants for spring time
Planting is the fun part! Starting in March, you can begin planting carrots, chives, parsley, and spinach seeds outside. This is also a good month to add compost, if you’re using it. Come April, you’ll be ready to plant beans, cucumber, tomatoes, and ornamental grasses. Sweet potatoes and annual flowers should be planted after the last freeze. For all your beautiful ornamental flowers, such as marigolds, petunias, daisies and dahlias, May is the perfect month to plant.
Prepare for weather changes
There are few things as unpredictable as weather in West Texas. While warmer weather is sure to come, the average last freeze in spring is around April, according to the Lubbock Master Gardeners Association. Before a cold snap, deeply water your plants’ roots, cover with wood or hay mulch, and cover your garden beds with sheets or blankets, then a tarp, for insulation. Remove them first thing in the morning to prevent condensation, and you’ll be ready for brighter – and warmer – days.
While April showers bring May flowers, prepping your garden for the spring planting season doesn’t hurt, too. With these tips, your garden will look better than ever!
