HOW TO GET YOUR GARDEN
THUMB READY FOR SPRING
Spring is coming even though it may not feel like
it yet in Long Island. Now is the time to get
out your tools and get to growing seedlings
indoors for the spring planting. Get your
garden tools, seed collections, and green
thumb ready. Follow these steps and get your
garden abuzz by the time spring graces us with
her presence.
Where to have the garden?
Choose an area or create boxes in order to grow.
The area needs to be level, get at least six
hours of sunlight per day, be near a water
source, as well as drain well.
Maintenance and Cleanup
A month before planting start cleaning up the
gardening area so you’re ready. Clear out
fallen branches and leaves. This is a great
time to start composting if you don’t already.
Add the leaves to your compost pile and make
certain all of your tools are clean and ready
to work.
Start Seeds Indoors
Placing seeds directly in to the ground will not
work for all seed types. Some seeds have
to be started indoors. You then transplant
the seedlings in to the garden. You can also
purchase starter plants. As the seeds are
growing, place them in an area where they are
protected from the frost and chilly bite of the
cold winds.
Choose Containers
Choose the containers you want to start your
seeds in. You can use paper cups with holes
in the bottom for drainage or make your
own from newspaper or cardboard. These
are perfect choices because you won’t have
to remove the seedling and can simply place
the full container in to the ground and it will
biodegrade naturally. It is also helpful to have
a container to set all of your smaller containers
inside, allowing the seedlings to soak. Buy
some starter mix and keep your seedlings in a
well sunlit area.
Work the Soil
Some people work the soil and others choose to
not work the soil and go for a no-dig method.
By going no-dig that means you would have
to have prepped the area a few months before
now, so note this method for a later time.
Working the soil is to break it up, removing
the weeds, and to get rid of other dead plant
matter.
Raise the Temperature
You can control the temperature of the ground
by placing black plastic on the area where
you will plant. This will not only help to keep
those pesky weeds out, but your new seedlings
will love the warmth of the Earth that you
have prepared for them.
Enjoy getting ready for your gorgeous garden
this spring. Happy seed starting!
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