Spring is here St. Clair County, and it’s time to shake off the winter blues and get your home and garden ready for the season of growth and renewal. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, this guide will help you tackle the essentials to make your outdoor space shine. Let’s dig in—literally.
Start with a Spring Inspection
Before you dive into planting, take a stroll through your garden with a notebook in hand. Look for signs of winter damage—cracked fences, shifted stepping stones, or plants that didn’t survive the cold. Keep an eye out for critter activity too; burrows from moles or rabbits can wreak havoc on your garden beds. Think of this as your garden’s annual check-up.
Tackle Hardscaping First
Spring is the perfect time to fix up your hardscaping before plants start taking over. Repair wobbly fences, clean out gutters, and give wooden elements like decks or trellises a fresh coat of stain or paint. If you’ve been dreaming of adding raised beds or widening garden borders, now’s the time to make it happen. Bonus: You’ll feel extra accomplished before even planting a single flower.
Clean Up the Winter Mess
Winter leaves behind more than just memories of snow days—it also leaves debris like fallen branches, soggy leaves, and last year’s dead plants. Grab your rake and pruning shears to clear out the mess. Don’t forget to clean bird baths and containers with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 5 parts water) to keep pests and diseases at bay.
Test Your Soil Like a Pro
Healthy plants start with healthy soil. Test your soil every few years to check its pH levels and nutrient content. You can grab a soil testing kit from a local garden center like Sherman Nursery Farms or English Gardens in St. Clair County. Based on the results, you might need to add compost, manure, or specific fertilizers to give your plants the best start.
Feed Your Soil (and Your Plants)
Once you’ve tested your soil, it’s time to enrich it. Spread an inch or two of compost or organic matter over your beds before planting anything. This not only boosts nutrients but also improves soil texture. For perennials and shrubs, sprinkle some slow-release fertilizer around their bases—your plants will thank you later.
Prune Like You Mean It
Grab those pruners! Cut back any branches damaged by winter storms and trim shrubs that bloom on new wood (like hydrangeas or roses). But don’t touch early bloomers like lilacs—pruning them now could mean no flowers this year. For evergreens like boxwood, wait until their new growth has emerged before giving them a haircut.
Divide and Conquer Perennials
If your perennials are looking crowded, spring is the time to divide them. This gives them more room to grow and keeps your garden looking tidy. Plus, you’ll have extra plants to share with friends—or expand your own garden empire.
Plan Your Planting Strategy
Not all plants are ready for action in early spring. Cool-weather annuals like pansies and petunias can handle chilly nights, but hold off on planting heat-loving flowers until after the last frost date (usually mid-May for St. Clair County). For veggies, consider starting seeds indoors now so they’re ready to transplant when temperatures rise.
Mulch: Your Garden’s Best Friend
A layer of mulch does wonders for your garden—it locks in moisture, keeps weeds at bay, and regulates soil temperature. Spread 2-3 inches of organic mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds for maximum benefits. Pro tip: Avoid piling mulch directly against plant stems; it can cause rot.
Upgrade Your Irrigation Game
Check your irrigation system for leaks or clogged sprinkler heads before summer hits. If you’re still lugging around a hose by hand (we see you), consider upgrading to a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses for efficient watering.
Shop Local for Plants and Supplies
St. Clair County is home to some fantastic garden centers that can help you stock up on everything from annuals to patio furniture:
- Sherman Nursery Farms: Known for their wide selection of trees, shrubs, and landscaping materials.
- English Gardens: A one-stop shop for flowers, tools, and even patio furniture.
- Wendy’s St. Clair Greenhouses & Florist: Perfect for houseplants or gifts for fellow plant lovers.
Shopping local supports small businesses—and you’re more likely to find plants suited to Michigan’s climate.
Add Some Flair with Hardscape Enhancements
Your garden isn’t just about plants—it’s also about creating an inviting space where you can relax or entertain guests. Consider adding stepping stones, decorative planters, or even a small water feature to elevate your outdoor oasis.
Stay Ahead of Pests and Weeds
Don’t let pests ruin your hard work! Use natural deterrents like neem oil or companion planting (where certain plants repel bugs). For weeds, lay down landscape fabric under mulch or use an organic herbicide if things get out of hand.
Spring is calling—so grab your gloves and get outside! With these tips in hand, St. Clair County residents are set up for a blooming success this season. Happy gardening!
Sources: provenwinners.com, parkerbs.com
Header Image Source: Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash
