TIPS TO
REVITALIZE A
GARDEN THIS
SPRING
Gardening is a rewarding hobby that pays a host
of signifi cant dividends. Many people love gardening
because it allows them to spend time
outdoors, and that simple pleasure is indeed a notable
benefi t of working in a garden. But the National Initiative
for Consumer Horticulture notes that gardening
provides a host of additional benefi ts, including helping
people get suffi cient levels of exercise, reduce stress
and improve mood.
With so much to gain from gardening, it’s no wonder
people look forward to getting their hands dirty in the
garden each spring. As the weather warms up, consider
these tips to help bring a garden back to life.
• Discard the dead weight. Winter can take its toll on a
garden, even in regions where the weather between December
and early spring is not especially harsh. Discard
dead plants that have lingered into spring and prune any
perennials that need it. Branches that fell during winter
storms also should be removed at this point if they have
not previously been discarded.
• Test the soil. Soil testing kits can be purchased at local
garden centers and home improvement retailers. Such
tests are inexpensive and can reveal if the soil needs to
be amended to help plants thrive in the months to come.
• Mulch garden beds. Mulching benefi ts a garden by
helping soil retain moisture and preventing the growth
of weeds. Various garden experts note that mulching in
spring can prevent weed seeds from germinating over
the course of spring and summer. That means plants
won’t have to fi ght with weeds for water when the temperature
warms up. It also means gardeners won’t have
to spend time pulling weeds this summer.
• Inspect your irrigation system. Homeowners with inground
irrigation systems or above-ground systems that
utilize a drip or soaker function can inspect the systems
before plants begin to bloom. Damaged sprinkler heads
or torn lines can deprive plants of water they will need
to bloom and ultimately thrive once the weather warms
up.
• Tune up your tools. Gardening tools have likely been
sitting around gathering dust since fall. Serious gardeners
know that tools can be expensive, so it pays to
protect that investment by maintaining the tools. Sharpened
pruners help make plants less vulnerable to infestation
and infection. Well-maintained tools like shovels
and hoes also make more demanding gardening jobs a
little bit easier, so don’t forget to tune up your tools
before the weather warms up. 696417-1
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