Before Spring: Top 10 Gardening Jobs

In a few short weeks, we will be chasing our tails trying to keep up with the explosion of growth. Enjoy this month of relative calm, but not before you’ve powered up with my top 10 gardening jobs, including a deceptively simple way to stop weeds in their tracks before they’ve even had a chance to get started.

Preparing garden for Spring Harvest

As we approach spring, it’s time to prepare for a bountiful harvest. One task to focus on is nurturing your rhubarb. The buds have fattened out and are coming along nicely. In approximately 6 to 8 weeks, you’ll be able to harvest your rhubarb and enjoy the early taste of spring.

In addition to rhubarb, strawberries can also provide an early crop. To ensure their growth, bring them into a warmer environment like a greenhouse. They should start flowering around mid-spring and may even fruit before spring is finished. Remember to pollinate them manually if there is a shortage of pollinators in the air.

When it comes to strawberries, using a soil-based potting mix enriched with blood fish and bone will provide the extra nutrition they need. Applying a liquid tomato feed when the plants start flowering will encourage more flowers and improve fruit production.

Optimizing Temperature and Light Levels

By the middle of the month, both temperatures and light levels are finally beginning to pick up. This increase in temperature can lead to soft, fleshy leafy growth. 

To prevent any damage caused by sudden changes in temperature, ensure proper ventilation by opening up all doors, vents, and windows in your greenhouse or tunnel. Keep an eye on the temperature using a maximum/minimum thermometer.

Harvesting Winter Crops

Don’t forget to continue harvesting winter crops like kale, chard, leeks, and parsnips. These hardy heroes will keep your kitchen supplied with fresh produce even during the dull months. 

Consider using leeks and parsnips to create a deliciously warming soup, perfect for warming up after a cold day of gardening.

Transferring Seedlings

One of the most enjoyable tasks in gardening is transferring seedlings into their own plugs or pots. This process, known as “pricking out,” is easy to do. Carefully remove the seedlings from their pot and separate them into individual plants. 

Handle each seedling by its leaf, never the delicate stem, to avoid damage. Plant them in well-drained soil and provide them with proper nutrition to help them grow.

Mulching and Planting Fruit Trees and Bushes

As winter comes to an end, it’s time to mulch around fruit bushes, fruit trees, and canes. Mulching with organic matter nourishes the soil and improves fruit growth. Use part decomposed leaves, garden compost, or wood chips as mulch, ensuring the base of the stem remains clear to prevent rotting.

This is also a great time to plant new fruit trees and bushes. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil for optimal growth. Plant them as bare root plants or container-grown plants and allow them a few weeks to establish their roots before the growing season begins in full swing.

Making Use of Kitchen Waste

Instead of throwing your kitchen waste onto the compost heap, consider creating a compost pit. Dig a hole about 30 cm or 1 ft deep and bury your organic waste. 

This method provides valuable nutrition for hungry plants like beans and squash family plants. Make sure to cover the pit to prevent wildlife from getting into it and return the soil over the pit once you’re done.

Creating Habitat for Wildlife

Any body of water, no matter how small, can provide valuable habitat for wildlife. Consider creating a pond in your garden to attract frogs and toads. 

By maintaining the pond and adding rocks for easy access, you can provide a safe and welcoming environment for these creatures. Take the time to clean out fallen leaves and replenish the water to keep your pond healthy.

Dealing with Weeds

Weeds often make their appearance at the start of the season, signaling the arrival of spring. To prevent them from competing with your seedlings, consider using a glass pane or clear plastic to raise the soil temperature and encourage weed germination.

Once the weeds have sprouted, simply hoe them off to create a clean seed bed for sowing or planting.

Sowing Cool Season Crops

Now is the perfect time to sow cool season crops like radishes and cucumbers. Radishes are hardy and can germinate in temperatures as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit or 5 degrees Celsius. Mark out rows in well-drained soil and sow the radish seeds about an inch apart. Cover them and provide some protection until they germinate.

Cucumbers can also be sown later in the month if you have a greenhouse or live in a warmer climate. Plant the seeds in pots and keep them indoors until the weather warms up. With proper care and attention, you’ll soon be enjoying a delicious harvest of cucumbers.

Conclusion

As you prepare your garden before spring, remember to focus on these top 10 gardening jobs. Take the time to nurture your plants, protect them from temperature swings, and sow cool season crops. Gardening is a rewarding and satisfying hobby, and it’s time to get your hands dirty and make your soul sing.

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