How to grow the perfect spring garden

With the arrival of spring comes sunnier days and warmer weather. Whether you’re looking to spend more time in nature, learn a new hobby or make use of your compost, here’s our favorite tips for growing your own spring garden.

 

Why should you start your own garden?

Reduce your carbon footprint

With growing concerns over what chemicals are used in the food supply chain and their effects on the planet, you’ve got total control over your own organic product – right in your own backyard. Plus, you can reduce your carbon footprint.

 

Healthy for your mind and body

Engage in physical activity – burn calories and reduce the risk of chronic illness. Plus, there’s mental and emotional benefits from spending time in nature. And you’ll be eating more fresh fruits and veggies. Win-win-win.

 

Sense of achievement

With your investment of time and energy, you’ll be able to actually eat the fruits of your labour.

 

What should you plant in the spring?

 Vegetables Fruits Herbs Flowers

Radishes
Turnips
Carrots
Lettuce
Onions

Melons
Strawberries
Raspberries
Blueberries
Figs
Basil
Mint
Dill
Parsley
Sage
Daffodil
Hyacinths
Tulips
Crocus
Bluebell

 

Spring garden tips

Use your compost

Last week we chatted all about composting and how to get started. Here’s the perfect opportunity to put it to use! Compost is the 100% organic way to improve soil structure, balance plant nutrients and stimulate beneficial organisms that build healthy soil.

 

Know what type of plants to grow

Cool season vegetables (like lettuce, turnips and carrots) should be the first to be planted in the spring. These crops are able to survive and thrive in cooler temperatures. Wait to plant warm season vegetables (like tomatoes, beans and peppers) later in the season as they grow better in warmer temperatures.

 

When it’s time to start planting

The best time to start growing your spring crops would be around the end of March or beginning of April. Though it all depends on when your last frost hits and current weather conditions. It’s time to start growing when the ground is no longer frozen or soaking wet and you’re able to work the soil.

 

Steps to growing your own garden

Spring clean up

Start by cleaning up plant debris (fallen branches, leaves, etc.) out of the area you want to start planting in (garden beds). It’s important to maintain good hygiene in your crop area to keep pests and diseases at a minimum.

 

Start small

Pick a spot where your plants are able to get as much sun as possible – at least 6 hours a day – and where it’s in close proximity to a water source. Don’t worry if you don’t have a backyard, choose a sunny spot on your balcony or porch and use large containers or patio pots.

 

Dig in

Use a gardening tool to dig into the ground and break up the soil. Remove stones, grass and weeds so you can start off with a clean slate. We recommend adding compost at this stage to enhance the soil texture and quality.

 

Direct sowing

Direct sowing involves planting seeds directly into the ground rather than starting with them indoors before transferring into the ground later. With most cool season vegetable seeds, they can be directly planted into the ground.

 

Every plant has different needs

Make sure you read the information on your seed packets – it will tell you exactly how much light and water is needed, when to harvest and the best zone or time to plant your seeds.

 

 

Starting your own spring garden is the perfect way to get connected with nature – to explore plant growth and natural ecosystems. It’s more than just food but a way to enrich your mind, body, family, home and community. Plus, we get to take care of the earth just like it takes care of us.

 

Photo by Justin Aikin on Unsplash