Getting Ready for Spring?

Lingering snow and cold temps tell us our yards are still down for their long winter’s nap. Thankfully, that hibernation will soon end. Spring is just weeks away and gardeners with months of pent-up energy will be able to get their hands back in the dirt.

It’s almost time to celebrate spring and the 2015 growing season.

Right now, we can use this transition time to get things in order. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Tools and equipment
• Clean up tools. If shovels and other tools were put in the shed last fall without a good cleaning, get out the steel wool to remove rust and apply WD-40 to get them cleaned up for a fresh start.
• Sharpen the blade on the lawn mower and take the mower into the shop for a spring service.
• Update with ergonomic tools. Even before it’s time to buy plants, take an early trip to the garden center and look for user-friendly tools that relieve the stress and strain on your body, especially your back. While gardening is a healthy activity, it’s also one where countless small to serious injuries occur each season. This year, take steps to minimize the damage with tools that are body-friendly.
Resist temptation
Soon, many of the warehouse stores will have boxed bare root plants for sale that are too early for planting in Colorado and may not be the best selection of plants for our climate and growing conditions. Resist the temptation to purchase plants too early – and make sure that what you consider purchasing is suitable for local growing conditions.

Know your zone
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map provides information to help gardeners and others select plants based on average low temperature range during the winter. Know your plant hardiness zone – and use it as a reference guide when considering new plants.

Also be aware that the zone designations are an average guideline and not a guarantee that plants noted for your zone will always survive. A record-breaking low temperature more characteristic of another zone, for example, can damage or kill plants within their designated zone. Consult the zone map for guidance – but remember it’s not a guarantee.

If you would like to meet with one of our landscape designers, please contact us at 303.721.9003 or at info@designscapes.org. Thank you.