Although most people create a gardening plan for the spring, vegetation can benefit from tender love and care throughout the year. According to the team at The Gardener in Columbia, MO, proper maintenance during each season will extend the life of your garden, ensuring plants remain healthy all year long. 

Below, the local landscapers share gardening tips for seasonal care:

Late Spring Through Start of Summer

During this time of year, the weather is ripe for planting, as the soil is softer and easier to manipulate. After you decide what you want to plant, map out the plot layout for the crops and pay close attention to rows and plant bed spacing. 

Mid- & Late Summer Through Beginning of Autumn

The crops you planted in spring will experience growth spurts now, but weeds will run rampant. Weekly weed removal is crucial for your crops, so they aren’t deprived of essential vitamins and minerals. You’ll also need to water more often to combat the dry conditions. If plants have reached maturity, this is the optimal time to replace them with new ones. 

Mid-Autumn

Temperatures start to drop, which may affect some of your plants. To keep your plants and veggies properly insulated for the first frost, place floating row covers over them, which serves as a warm blanket to keep out the cold. In vegetable gardens, some crops will ripen now, and you can begin harvesting.

End of Autumn

Now, you should concentrate on prepping your garden for winter. Place mulch over current crops for additional protection or start planting species that can grow in cold weather.

Mid-Winter & Start of Spring

Winter is the least active time of year. While plants rest, start planning your garden for spring. Once the season begins, prepare the seedlings in pots indoors. They’ll get a jump-start growing and will be strong enough for the ground later in the spring. 

If you’re looking to enhance your garden, the experienced staff at The Gardener can help your yard bloom. To schedule a service appointment in Columbia or the surrounding area, call (573) 446-0802. For planting suggestions, visit their website and explore the many ways they’ll create the yard of your dreams.