Winters in Virginia are often frigid. This means that there’s not much lawn care that can be done during the season. However, according to the experts in lawn care and landscaping Manassas, VA locals turn to property owners should dedicate the season to the planning for their spring garden.
Garden planning is necessary in preparation for spring because when the weather starts warming up and vegetation resurrects from being dead cold, a lot of garden or lawn issues also arise.
Aside from that, replacements are necessary for annuals. Plus, you may also be keen on implementing changes to make your outdoor space a livelier and more functional place to be. With beautiful sunny weather, most people want to spend more time outside and benefit from the flourishing plants in their gardens.
To help you with planning for your spring garden this winter, here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Determine the weed control solution to use
Weeds come alive in the spring, along with your turf and the other plants in your garden. So, long before they pop up in the spring, it would help to choose the weed control method to use already. Evaluate the pattern of weed growth in your lawn; do they usually only grow in specific spaces, or do they tend to overtake your turf?
If weeds grow sparsely, you’re better off with spot treating solutions such as boiling water or white vinegar, which is effective even against crabgrass and dandelions. But, if weeds grow aggressively and impede the healthy growth of grass and other plants, you may want to try spreading corn gluten all over your lawn. It’s 98 percent effective against weeds and is safe for children and pets.
Or, you may want to invest in professional lawn care services to get weed control and prevention done quickly and correctly.
2. Choose the flowers to bring color to your outdoor space
If you are all about turning your garden into a complete thing of beauty, start choosing the flowers to plant and cultivate for the warm seasons during the winter.
Horticulturists suggest cheerful-looking daffodils, blush-colored and fragrant petunias, and daylilies that come in a variety of lovely colors. These flowers thrive well in colder climates and often stay in bloom until the summer.
3. Consider a landscaping service to manage the erosion caused by wet winters
Winter can cause topsoil to shift, especially when the snow starts melting. Expect to find ruts and much lower areas in your lawn. You can fill these up with a mixture of sand and topsoil, or carry out heavy sweeping to even out your yard. Contact with retaining wall contractors, retaining walls do manage overflow and prevent soil from sliding.
Dealing with the erosion caused by winter is a lot of work, and quite often, taking the DIY route can lead to successful results, but only if you’re a dedicated gardener.
Therefore, if you’re not, and you also find the work a tad complicated tackle yourself, start looking for a landscaping service. The pros will not only take care of the issue, but you can also task them to improve the layout of your outdoor space. They can even help you determine the best places to transplant crowded plants to more ideal locations so they’ll thrive better during the warm months.
4. Set aside a budget to deal with plant diseases
The long and cold winter can often cause a few plant diseases. So, set a budget for those as well, especially if you have dealt with some before. Plant diseases need the immediate attention of lawn care specialists. Otherwise, they can quickly spread throughout your garden, and that’s something that you do not want to happen.
Tuck away money for the speedy treatment of plant diseases and avoid the hefty cost of replacing dead turf, trees, and other plants.
5. Consider adding edibles to your garden
Adding a few edibles to your garden is a fantastic way to make your outdoor space even more beneficial for the family. You can plant lettuce, aubergines, corn, squash, beans, and peas during the spring. Some of them will be ready for harvest come autumn.
Consider tomatoes as well because they easily grow in small planters. Also, work in some herbs and spices. Rosemary, basil, dill, thyme, Asian chilies are all a breeze to cultivate. Plus, they are not just useful for cooking; they can also complement and protect the other blooming plants in your garden during the spring.
6. Determine your methods for pest control, as well
Expect to find pests during the spring. Insects, rodents, and even birds will start targeting all the new sprouts in your garden during the spring. Slugs, mainly, are a problem for lawns, particularly when temperatures rise.
Look up all the pest control methods that you can use so you can ensure the growth of your garden during the warm months. Not only that, but garden pest control is also essential for protecting your home. It’s not uncommon for pesky fliers and creepy crawlers to find their way inside the house, and they’re a pain to deal with. You may also find these tips helpful just in case you become a victim of a bee sting in your garden.
7. Think about garden functional and decorative garden implements too
Outdoor furniture and other decorative items are worth thinking about in preparing your outdoor space for the spring, as well. A picnic table and benches, lounge chairs, whirligigs, a new freestanding letterbox, lawn ornaments, and even a small patch of Japanese-inspired zen garden can elevate the function and beauty of the space.
Adding all of these elements will allow you, your family, and friends to get together and have fun right in the comfort of a beautiful private space. You can take advantage of the fantastic spring weather and create memorable experiences without having to leave your home.
8. Mix in a new variety of turf
If your lawn has only been made of only one type of grass for the last few years, make it look plusher by combining a new type of grass to it. Doing this will not only improve the appearance of your lawn, but it will make it less susceptible to damage as well.
According to experts in lawn care in Manassas, VA, combined turfs are more resistant to weeds and the attacks of pests. Your local nursery can provide you with recommendations for grass varieties that can grow alongside your original turf variety.
When you are not actively carrying out lawn care in the winter, it’s nice to make plans for the spring. Hopefully, these ideas set a good foundation on ensuring a healthy and beautiful lawn and garden for your property in the springtime.