Are you anxious to get out in the garden? Now is a great time to begin thinking about the flowers and vegetables you plan to grow. Before you get started, consider the following guidelines. These tips will help you have a successful, enjoyable time in the garden this year. You might also want to check out, these spring gardening tips to make sure your garden is in constant bloom.

Early Blooms

Early spring is a great time to plant flowers that you want to see right away. Consider Snowdrop or Snow Crocus bulbs for a fun delight. For perennials, you may want to consider varieties such as Bleeding Heart or Primrose. And for shrubs, some early blooms include Forsythia, Spicebush or Spring Heath. These are just a few of your many options. Talk to the owner of a nursery near you to find out which other varieties of flowers and shrubs will grow best and bloom early in your area.

Get the Soil Ready

As the snow melts and the days warm up, you can go into the yard and check the soil. If you are going to plant in a different area of your yard or have new soil, you may want to have the soil tested. Doing so will help you see which fertilizers should be used.

If you are going to dig up a new garden bed, start by marking off the desired area. Then wait until the soil no longer has ice or snow in it. When a handful of dirt crumbles easily in your hand, you can till the soil. Be sure to wait until the soil is fairly dry. If it is too wet it will drive the air out of the soil and bind particles together. Dig about eight inches into the ground. Take out any large stones that you find as you work. Add compost and fertilizer to the soil and spread them around evenly. You are now ready to plant in your new garden area.

Plant the Seeds

Deciding when to plant the seeds in your garden can be tricky. Consider certain factors such as the weather, the soil conditions and the plants that you want to grow. If you are new to an area, talk to neighbors that have gardens or consult workers at a nearby garden store. You may also want to consider keeping a garden journal. In the book, write down what you plant, the date that you plant it, and the results. Then use it as a reference from year to year. It will help guide your planting strategies.

Some plants can withstand cold temperatures. Peas and spinach are two vegetables that will survive a light frost. Other plants, such as tomatoes, should have a protective covering to help them through cold nights during spring.

These spring gardening tips will help you get the garden started. By the time summer hits, you will have the seeds planted and ready to grow. By caring for plants from the beginning, you will enjoy lasting results.

You can share your spring gardening tips with your neighbors and friends. They, in turn, will also give you advice. With a little love and care, your garden will help brighten up your summer and lead to a bountiful harvest.