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Spring is in the air, and it is time to start planning your garden, and planting some of your seeds and crops. Before you head out to the garden, though, there are a few things you should consider in order to make the most of your planting. Here are 5 tips on early spring planting.

Turn Over the Soil

Whether you have an established garden, or you are planning to create a new one, a very important step in the early planting stages is to turn the soil over. Turning the soil over will remove any unwanted stones and weeds, as well as prevent any established roots from growing larger and taking up precious growing space. It will also make planting easier, as the soil will be looser, making it easier to create your rows.

Protect From Late Frost

If you are planting outside in the early months of spring, there is still a slight threat of frost overnight and into the early morning. Ensure that your plants have a fighting chance, and protect them from the harmful frost by covering them with mini greenhouse covers, a blanket, or a mini hoop tunnel. If you don’t have the money to create something elaborate, covering them with a plastic lid will also keep them safe from the frost. Pay attention to the weather forecasts, and if there is frost in the prediction, cover them up, and uncover them in the heat to prevent drying them out.

Look to the South

Seedlings and new sprouts are very vulnerable, and need lots of sunlight to start growing in the early spring. If you are planting indoors, try placing your plants in a south facing window where they will get the optimal amount of light every day. When the sun stays out later, and the heat is more intense, you can move them to a new location to protect them from drying out.

Infuse With Nutrients

Over the winter and in the early spring, your garden soil drains, causing many important nutrients in the soil to seep out, leaving the dry, invaluable dirt behind. Before planting, test your soil pH levels using a DIY pH test, or a professional pH test kit. To balance pH, you can add or reduce certain elements of sulphur, clay, and sand, depending on the problems. Once you have balanced the pH, adding compost, eggshells, and coffee grinds to the mixture will create a rich base, full of the important nutrients for your plants. Ensuring you have a rich soil will help your plants grow successfully, and will increase fruit development and the overall health of your garden.

Label Your Plants

Before a plant gets its flower or fruit, it can be very difficult to distinguish the seedlings from the weeds. Avoid the confusion, and plant your seedlings in rows with neat labels identifying each type of plant. Whether you purchase pre-made labels, or you create your own, labelling your plants ahead of time will save you a lot of frustration when weeding your garden, and it will help you identify everything you planted.

Whether you are creating an indoor herb garden, or planning a beautiful outdoor flower garden, these five tips will ensure that your early spring planting is successful, and will carry through to the summer. For more ideas on early spring planting, visit the Falconcrest Homes Blog.