Many Celina residents are ready for winter to be over and eagerly await the arrival of spring. It is a time for warmer temperatures, kites, sunshine, rain and new beginnings. This is especially so for springtime gardening. As the winter weather leaves the area and the warm spring rains arrive, it is a great time to prepare your gardens for Spring and Summer. Local gardening experts can provide excellent advice for preparing your gardens for beautiful summer blooms and bountiful vegetable harvests. It is essential to realize that a successful garden can happen by starting with some crucial steps.
One thing that is important is to get your garages or storage sheds in order. Having the right tools and equipment can make a big difference in whether your garden succeeds or fails. Ensure your gardening tools are in good repair, and perform the recommended maintenance. Oiling hinges and sharpening your blades will make a world of difference as you begin to work in your garden. Sharp blades on shovels and trimmers mean you can cut and dig more easily.
Another item to check off your list is to ensure you are stocked with essential supplies. Having ample fertilizers and soil amendments before you start will help you be prepared for when you begin your spring plantings and garden maintenance. Have some extra soil ready to fill low spots and to level problem areas.
Pruning trees and shrubs at this time is a good idea to prepare for those trees and shrubs that bloom. Late winter and early spring are great times to prune. Make sure to sterilize your pruners by wiping them down with isopropyl alcohol and a clean towel. This precaution will help avoid any plant diseases.
Preparing your soil and setting up your beds and planters can also be done in the spring. Soil preparation will also make your gardening easier. Remove and clear out weeds, old mulch and any debris that has gathered in the winter. Tilling or turning over your soil is a good idea and an excellent opportunity to introduce some nutrient-rich compost or mulch once the soil is prepared. Test your soil pH and nutrient levels and know what kind of soil you are working with. Here in Celina, our clay soils can grow a variety of wonderful native and adapted varieties of plants, trees and shrubs.
Celina is fortunate to have quality nurseries here to help residents prepare for every step in preparing their spring gardens. Julie Holland of Shades of Green Nursery + Landscape - Celina, 1213 E Sunset Blvd, is excited to help Celina residents with their gardening and landscaping needs. “We are growing fast, and new residents are moving in daily. Many of them are from different parts of Texas or even from out of state. New residents often don’t know what to expect from our clay soils. One of the first things we recommend is to mix in expanded shale when planting. Our soil is dense and this helps to lighten and loosen it up. It also helps to capture water and hold it to give plant roots an opportunity to absorb the water.”
Julie enjoys sharing her excitement about gardening and landscaping with her customers. “There is so much to learn about gardening here, and we can walk our customers through every step. We can help you find the perfect plants for your home. Whether trees, shrubs or flowering plants, we have what you are looking for. Texas native plants are best, of course. They have a great success rate since they can be found growing wild locally. You can start to plan your garden with us. Perennials usually bloom in the summer and are great for your home. Most people don’t realize they are great for erosion control and foundation protection. I like to say that perennials take a nap when they go dormant and wake up by blooming.”
Some of the shrubs she recommends are Indian Hawthorne, sunshine ligustrum, and Texas sage. Texas ash and redbuds are some of her favorite trees. Planting in the spring is essential, according to her. “The sooner you can plant, the better. Getting the roots to start growing is important because we want the plants to be able to make it through our hot summers. We appreciate all of our customers. It is so beneficial to start with professional assistance. We have the knowledge and experience to get you started. You are investing in your property, and we want to help you make good gardening decisions. We can help you decide if you want low or high-maintenance plants. Some people love working in their gardens or yards. Some just want plants that grow well on their own. We love our customers and know it is an investment in your property so we make every effort to help you have success. We want to earn your trust.”
Shades of Green Nursery + Landscape
1213 E Sunset Blvd, Celina, TX
There is so much to learn about gardening here, and we can walk our customers through every step.