Spring is in the air here at Applewood Nursery & Landscape Supply, your friendly neighborhood garden center in Minnesota! If you’ve been dreaming of lush flower beds, bountiful vegetable patches, and vibrant green lawns, now is the perfect time to start prepping your garden for the upcoming season. Here are a few compelling reasons why getting a head start on your garden now will pay off big time:
Extend Your Growing Season
In Minnesota, our growing season is precious but short. By prepping your garden early, you can take advantage of every available day. Whether you’re starting seeds indoors, planning out your garden layout, or prepping your soil, getting ahead means you’ll be ready to plant as soon as the weather allows. This can translate into earlier harvests and a longer season of enjoying your garden’s beauty.
Soil Health Matters
Good gardening begins with healthy soil. By starting early, you can assess the condition of your soil and make any necessary amendments. Testing your soil for pH levels and nutrient content now means you’ll have time to adjust and improve it before planting. Adding compost, organic matter, or specific fertilizers will ensure that your plants have the best possible foundation for growth.
Plan and Plant Strategically
Spring prepping gives you the opportunity to carefully plan your garden layout. Consider which plants you want to grow this year and where they’ll thrive best in your garden. Take into account sunlight exposure, water needs, and potential companionship among plants. Starting early allows you to make thoughtful decisions that can lead to healthier, more productive plants.
Get a Jump on Weeds and Pests
We all know that weeds and pests can quickly become the bane of a gardener’s existence. By prepping your garden beds early—clearing out debris, laying down mulch, and implementing pest prevention strategies—you can significantly reduce the likelihood of weed and pest problems later in the season. This proactive approach can save you time and effort down the road.
Enjoy the Process
Gardening is not just about the end result; it’s also about the journey. Starting your garden preparations now allows you to savor every step of the process. From planning and planting to nurturing and harvesting, you’ll have more time to immerse yourself in the joys of gardening and watch your garden come to life.
Take Advantage of Early Planting Opportunities
Certain vegetables and flowers thrive when planted early in the season. Cold-hardy crops like lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes can be sown directly in the ground as soon as the soil is workable, often before the last frost date. Starting these plants early means you’ll enjoy a longer harvest window and potentially multiple crops throughout the season.
Build Healthy Habits
Starting your garden preparations now sets a positive tone for the rest of the season. It encourages regular engagement with your garden, fostering healthy gardening habits like regular watering, weeding, and monitoring plant health. Building these habits early on will contribute to the overall success of your garden as the season progresses.
Make the Most of Garden Center Resources
Applewood Nursery & Landscape Supply is fully stocked and ready to assist you at the beginning of the season. Beat the rush by visiting now—explore new plant varieties, seek advice from knowledgeable staff, and gather all the supplies you need before they sell out. Early birds often have access to the best selection and personalized attention.
Support Local Wildlife
Gardens are not just for humans—they provide vital habitat and food sources for local wildlife. By starting your garden preparations early, you can incorporate wildlife-friendly elements such as bird feeders, butterfly bushes, or native plantings. Creating a diverse and welcoming environment for wildlife adds another layer of enjoyment and ecological benefit to your garden.
Reduce Stress and Increase Enjoyment
Finally, early garden prep reduces the stress of last-minute scrambling. It allows you to approach gardening with a relaxed and joyful attitude, knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to set yourself up for success. Enjoy the process of nurturing your garden, watching it evolve, and reaping the rewards of your efforts throughout the entire growing season.
There’s no better time than now to start prepping your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a first-time enthusiast, early preparation sets the stage for a thriving and enjoyable garden experience. Visit Applewood Nursery & Landscape Supply today and let’s embark on this gardening journey together!