After your garden has been dormant all winter, it will see a burst of growth in the spring. To make the most of it, you need to prepare the plants, the soil, and your gardening supplies. Here are the main tasks to focus on to get the garden ready for warmer weather.

How to Prepare for the Growing Season

1. Remove Weeds and Debris

Whether you’re planting new seeds and sprouts or tending existing plants, they will need room to grow and exposure to sunlight. Removing dead leaves and branches left from the winter makes room for the year’s new growth and makes your garden look more tidy and attractive. Also, pull up weeds to prevent them from stealing nutrients from your plants.

2. Fertilize

A springtime growth spurt requires nutrients to help your plants build new leaves, stems, buds, and roots. Fertilizer helps provide the major building blocks plants need. For healthy, green plants and grass, choose a formula at your local gardening supply store that is rich in nitrogen. For flowering plants, look for a fertilizer with plenty of phosphorus. Make your first fertilizer application before planting any new plants, and continue adding more about once a month.

3. Prune

In addition to removing any dead branches from trees and plants, you’ll also need to prune live branches. This helps shrubs and trees grow into the shape you want and keeps branches away from nearby structures and utilities. Also, in many kinds of flowering plants and fruit trees, only the new branches that grow each spring produce fruit and flowers. Pruning reduces the number of older branches and encourages new growth for greater productivity.

For springtime gardening supplies, choose Racine's Feed, Garden & Supply. Based in Robertsdale, AL, this family-owned store has been in business for more than 20 years. Their friendly and knowledgeable team will help you find exactly the right tools, plants, and fertilizer, and they offer delivery. For questions, call (251) 947-3003, and learn more about their products online.