Many Texoma 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. Start to organize your gardening storage so tools and supplies are easier to find. Ensure your gardening tools are in good repair, and perform the recommended maintenance on them. 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 checklist 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. Check on your compost pile to see if it is prepared for use, or start one if you don’t already have one.
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. Dead organics can go into your compost pile for later use. Make sure to remove all living weeds. 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. After tilling well begin to add in your compost and other soil amendments. Test your soil pH and nutrient levels and know what kind of soil you are working with. Here in Texoma, our clay soils can grow a variety of wonderful native and adapted varieties of plants, trees and shrubs.
The Texoma region is fortunate to have quality nurseries here to help residents prepare for every step in preparing their spring gardens. Kayla and Corey Albrecht of Twin Oaks Nursery, located at 2107 FM 691 in Denison, are always ready to lend a hand. They are available to assist regardless of your gardening experience level. From advanced gardeners to new homeowners just starting out, they can guide and support you in developing an excellent gardening plan specific to your property. Kayla advises that now is a great time to start your gardens. “There are so many wonderful plants to choose from. I love so many of the trees we have here in the nursery. Shumard red oaks, chinquapin oaks, lacebark elm, globe willows and several varieties of redbuds are some of the great growing trees we carry. We can help you decide which trees will be best for you and offer any professional advice you need.”
Some of her favorite plants that do very well in our area are possumhaw holly, wisteria, Texas sage, and Texas mountain laurel. Kayla also advises new gardeners to know what they put in their gardens. “Make sure you understand how to care for your plants so you can keep them alive and thriving. We offer many great classes here at Twin Oaks Nursery that can help you learn about plants growing well here. We offer classes on gardening, fruit tree care, beekeeping and even goat milk soap making, in addition to many other services. We are always adding classes, and if you need information, we are here to help you! We have a great, knowledgeable staff that really cares about your gardening success. It is so important to us that we take care of our customers.”
2107 FM 691, Denison
(903) 463-2205
We have a great, knowledgeable staff that really cares about your gardening success.