Spring is here! It may not feel like it’s sprung where you live—especially if there’s still snow on the ground—but trust us, the thaw will happen. Will your lawn and garden be ready? Here are 20 tips on how to plant and landscape smart, conserve water, and get your outdoor spaces spiffy for the warmer weather.
20. Plant species native to your region. They’ll be hardier and easier to care for.
19. Plant in the spring and fall, when the water requirements are lower. Save time and money!
18. Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard. Plant shrubs and ground covers that thrive in your yard and are appropriate for your region.
17. Think about xeriscaping. It’s a landscaping technique that utilizes low-watering plants, such as succulents. These water-hardy species are enjoying great popularity, especially in containers and drier climates.
Succulents are perfect for any climate. Their bright blooms and large green leaves are especially pretty in containers.
16. Use concrete, rocks or other porous materials for walkways and patios. It helps prevent water runoff!
15. Start composting. A compost pile is not only good recycling sense–the material adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.
14. Don’t go on a trimming spree! Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs intact so they can keep the soil cool and reduce water evaporation.
13. Use a layer of organic mulch on your flower beds. It minimizes weeds.
12. Organic mulch can help you save water. And that saves you money on your water bill, and time spent doing watering!
11. Know when it’s time to water the lawn? When you leave footprints and the blades of grass don’t spring back up when you step on them. NEVER before that!
10. Apply the minimum recommended fertilizer. While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also cause the plant to consume more water than may be necessary.
9. Adjust your lawnmower blades to 1.5 to 2 inches. Taller grass shades roots and holds soil moisture better than short grass.
8. Use ice cubes to water hanging baskets. It gives your plants water without overflowing. Try it in planters and containers, too.
7. Prune with discretion. Let your shrubs and trees use water at their top efficiency.
6. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean concrete. Why are you watering your driveway, patio or sidewalk? Sweeping is good exercise, too!
5. Install a pool cover if you have a pool. It helps prevent water loss through evaporation.
4. What about pool pumps? Make sure all of yours use recirculating water.
3.Use a grease pencil to conduct a bucket test to check for pool leaks. An unnatural water level drop may indicate a leak.
2. Use a rain barrel to trap runoff from gutters. See ours here!
1. And the number-one thing you can do to get your garden ready for spring? Ask us to install a rainwater harvesting system that suits your landscape and your budget. It’ll save you money, water and time.
Questions? Leave a comment here, or chat us up on Facebook, Google+, or Twitter!
Many organic fertilizer types contain high levels of salt which could cause “burning” of plants. Organic fertilizer types may be broadcast on the surface or applied directly into the soil by tilling or watering. Using a spreader may be helpful in making sure that you do not over apply organic fertilizer types into your soil.
Spreaders for organic fertilizer types are adjustable to suit different fertilizing needs. When broadcasting organic fertilizer types via a spreader, it is important to note the width of the spread path and the distance traveled.
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