Sunshine and Soil: How to Prep Your Garden for a Flourishing Summer

The summer season comes with a range of opportunities for enjoying life outdoors. Maybe you're looking forward to a walk in the park, a bike ride, or a dip in the pool. Most importantly, you've been wanting to build a flourishing garden that lasts throughout the season. But the question is, how can you build one that survives the hottest days? Below are some tips to get you started.

1. Explore your region

One of the first things to remember about gardens is that not every plant can thrive in every region. What's good for one region isn't good for another. Cacti that thrive in a desert region like Arizona wouldn't quite make it in Kentucky or Maine.

One good way to know your region is to visit your local nursery. Speak to local gardeners and get an idea of what plants are native to your region. They should have information on which plants would flourish in your garden, and they can give you good advice on plant care.

2. Choose healthy soil

Soil that's healthy and fertile should be easy to shovel. If it crumbles when you pick it up, it's the perfect soil. Adding a good compost should help the soil nourish your plants throughout the season. For more on choosing the ideal soil, check out our tips on summer gardening.

3. Start out small

When starting a new project like gardening, it's easy to get wrapped up in enthusiasm. But too much planting can be overwhelming, so starting out small is best. An area that's 9 square feet is a perfect start if you're a novice. You can focus on choosing plants that are simple to grow and easy to manage, such as vegetables or lavender.

4. Keep it neat and manageable

Gardening is much simpler to do than you think. All you need is a few minutes daily to ensure it's neat and well-tended. Spend a little time each day picking up garbage, dried twigs, and dead leaves. Prune your bushes and pull up any weeds that can harm your plants. This will help you see if there are any other problems, such as bug infestations or diseased plants.

5. Plan ahead

Getting ahead of the game will help you get a good start on your summer garden. If you want to grow vegetables, late winter is the time to begin. Get some indoor containers and plant a few vegetable seeds before warm weather hits. Be sure to water them as needed and monitor their growth. Once the season begins, you can transfer them straight to your garden.

6. Sign up for a neighborhood garden tour

Nothing inspires the imagination more than seeing the gardening work of some of your neighbors. Try to find a neighborhood garden tour and sign up for it. You can observe other gardens in your area and get ideas about the types of plants that will thrive in your region. Plus, you can meet other gardeners and get tips on preparing your garden for the summer.

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