Whether you’re a hard-core gardener or just shooting for a tidy, well-maintained yard, there are plenty of things you can do now to prepare for a robust grow season later. Following are 7 easy ways to prep your landscaping for growing season:
#1: SOIL IMPROVEMENT
Turn over the soil, adding compost, manure, or other organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
#2: LAWN PREP
Consider aerating and dethatching your lawn; apply fertilizer and new grass seed to fill in bare patches.
#3: CLEAR DEBRIS
Remove dead plants, weeds, and any remaining debris from last season.
#4: MULCHING
Apply new mulch to seal in moisture and suppress weeds.
#5: PRUNING
Prune shrubs and trees as needed, but wait until the risk of frost is gone.
#6: TOOLS
Clean and sharpen your garden tools to ensure they are ready for the season.
#7: EARLY PLANTING
If your area allows, start planting cool-season vegetables and flowers.
A NOD TO SAINT PATRICK’S DAY…..
Celebrate St. Paddy’s day with this easy, delicious and decidedly Irish bread recipe (serves 4):
INGREDIENTS
4 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup butter, softened
4 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
¼ cup butter, melted
¼ cup buttermilk
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease a large baking sheet. Mix flour, softened butter, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Lightly knead dough on a floured surface and form into a round loaf; place on baking sheet. (Dough will be a little sticky.) Brush loaf with combined melted butter and 1/4 cup buttermilk and brush loaf with this mixture. Cut an ‘X’ into the top of the loaf. Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes before serving. Eat with jam or as a side for soups and stews. (Recipe courtesy Allrecipes.com)