Here's how to get your garden ready for the warmer months ahead

By NextHome Staff
March 30, 2020
A new season requires some fresh landscaping: From planting to fertilizing and lawn care, here's how to get your garden ready for the warmer months ahead. Warmer temperatures are coming, and this is the perfect time to devote a little attention to our gardens and lawn, so when spring does hit, we're able to enjoy the outdoors without being plagued by all of those weekend chores. Here are a few tips to get you started!

Weed control

When temperatures start to rise, weeds pop up like, well, weeds. Get at them right away with pre-emergent weed control to get rid of them before they've had their time to germinate, or use a post-emergent if they're already active and growing. Remember to be responsible with the earth around you: If you're going to use chemicals, use only those that target your particular problem area, and always remember to follow the product directions carefully.

When is it safe to plant annuals?

Annuals can be quite delicate, and they don't like frost, so all of this depends on your local frost dates, and that will determine when it is safe to plant your annuals and vegetables. For annuals, you will be transplanting from pots, flats, or six-packs at the garden centre, so it's safe to plant when the last frost date has passed. In southern Ontario, that's typically after the May long weekend.

Order summer-flowering bulbs and seeds

Now is a great time to order your summer-flowering bulbs and seeds such as lilies, gladioli, and ranunculi – all can be ordered ahead of time for early spring planting.

Set up your compost

If you haven't done so already, set up a compost area in your garden. Whether you decide to build your own with some spare wood around your house or you opt to buy a ready-made compost bin, this area is essential for you to store your organic waste. Once it has broken down, you will get this rich compost that your plants will thrive on. Remember to have a decent mixture of vegetable peels, wood prunings, paper, and grass clippings, and don't forget to help the process along by turning your compost with a garden fork every month to keep it aerated.

Clean your tools

Not only will maintaining your garden tools help save you money in the long term, it will also help prevent the spread of disease (dirty secateurs love bringing bacteria and fungi to fresh pruning). Use detergent, hot water, and a brush to give your bladed tools a good clean, and then have them sharpened at your local garden store so you can get cleaner pruning cuts.

Lisa Rogers is Executive Vice-President of Design for Dunpar Homes.

Lisa has shared her style and design expertise on popular television programs, such as Canadian Living TV, House & Home TV and The Shopping Channel.Lisa is one of the most familiar faces on CityTV's Cityline as a regular guest expert for fashion and image, health and wellness and design.

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