Get Ready for Spring with these Pre-Spring Gardening Tips!
Planting before the soil warms up can cause many problems for new plants, including stunted growth, wilting, and increased vulnerability to disease. While you’re waiting to welcome warmer temperatures and refresh your yard, here are some pre-spring gardening tips to help you get ready.
TURN OFF YOUR SPRINKLERS WHEN IT RAINS
Don’t forget that watering during or within 48 hours of measurable rainfall is prohibited.
TEST YOUR IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Now is the perfect time to manually run each irrigation zone to check for leaks and adjust drip lines according to your spring garden plan.
REPLACE OUTDATED EQUIPMENT
Save up to 50 gallons of water per day by converting traditional spray heads to drip irrigation! MWDOC offers rebates on an array of indoor and outdoor water-saving devices, including smart irrigation timers. Visit www.mwdoc.com/rebates to learn more.
DETHATCH LAWNS
Remove the dead turf material that prevents water and fertilizer from reaching your lawn’s root system. Better yet, consider replacing grass with drought-tolerant plants and using up to 70% less water outdoors! Visit www.mwdoc.com/turf for available rebates and landscape assistance programs.
PULL OUT WEEDS
Pull weeds now while the ground is soft and before they produce flowers or seeds. Weeds grow fast, stealing precious water and nutrients from other plants in your garden or landscape.
REFRESH YOUR MULCH
A 3-inch layer of mulch reduces the amount of water needed during the growing season by significantly improving soil moisture, suppressing weeds, and protecting against extreme temperatures. Organic mulch also decomposes over time, improving overall soil quality.
START PLANNING YOUR GARDEN NOW
Figure out how much space you have to work with and what your goals are. Only plant vegetables and fruit that you will eat. Add color to your garden with a variety of drought-tolerant plants that are widely available at your local nursery.
