Martha stewart's guide to spring gardening prep
Embracing the in-between season
As winter’s grip loosens, gardeners find themselves in that intriguing limbo – wondering if spring is truly on its way or if another cold snap is lurking. Martha Stewart, ever the expert, offers a reassuring perspective and practical advice for making the most of this transitional period. It's about proactive preparation, ensuring your garden is primed for a vibrant spring bloom. Don’t let the unpredictable weather deter you; a little effort now can yield significant rewards later.
Seed ordering: beat the shortage
The first critical step? Secure your seeds! Stewart emphasizes the importance of timely ordering. With increased interest in home Gardening, popular varieties are selling out quickly. “I make sure my seeds are ordered in a timely fashion,” she advises, “to avoid disappointment.” Beyond online catalogs, consider broadening your search – seed shops in your travels, like those in Paris or Italy, can offer unique and exciting additions to your garden.
Feeding your plants: a daily ritual
Just as we need nourishment, so do our plants. Stewart playfully reminds us, “You eat every day, so your plants have to eat also.” She recommends consistent feeding, particularly during this transition period. Two of her go-to choices from Scotts Miracle-Gro are the Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Plant Food for plants still indoors and the Miracle-Gro Organic Raised Bed & Garden Soil to prepare plants for the move outdoors, keeping their nutritional needs met.
Refreshing pots: the pre-patio season ritual
Before welcoming plants back to your patio, consider repotting, especially if they've experienced significant growth over the winter. While Stewart isn’t a fan of reusing potting soil (opting instead to add it to the compost!), she doesn’t discard any clinging to the roots. “Usually, I don’t shake the soil off the roots of the plant—I don’t want to disturb the plant,” she notes, prioritizing gentle care.
Tackling rootbound plants with a hori hori knife
Encountering a rootbound plant is a common challenge. Thankfully, it's not a lost cause. Stewart advocates for the use of a hori hori knife, a Japanese Gardening tool meaning “dig dig”. “It has a rough edge, like a saw, and it also has a short edge,” she explains. The rough edge is used to “scarify” the roots, removing the tightly bound portions and encouraging healthy growth.
Observing fruit trees: a springtime indicator
For those with fruit trees, paying close attention to them can reveal when spring is truly arriving. Stewart, with her orchard of 220 young fruit trees, shared an exciting observation: “Overnight, all the branches have turned red! That means they’re all budding!” Monitoring your fruit trees for signs of budding provides a clear indication of the season’s imminent shift.
About the author
As Chief Gardening Officer for Miracle-Gro and with 18 years of experience, including extensive field research, Martha Stewart brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to home Gardening. Her insights, combined with a background in technical clarity honed at Apple, ensure that every piece of advice is both practical and inspiring, enhancing the comfort and functionality of our homes through thoughtful design.