As the chill of winter fades away and the vibrant hues of spring begin to paint the cityscape, it's time to enjoy the fresh, new buds of spring that will blossom into a beautiful Chicago summer. With nature awakening, gardeners across the city eagerly prepare to usher in the new season of growth.
Amidst the bustling neighborhoods, you can find a sanctuary of beauty, relaxation and tranquility – the urban oasis of your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, there's magic to be found in nature as you embark on your spring gardening journey.
For gardening help in Chicago, you can follow Jodi on Instagram @goddesswithagreenthumb or contact her at (312) 925-8724 or [email protected].
Here are some tips to help you make the most of this season and illuminate your path to gardening success:
- Prepare Your Soil: Before planting, ensure your soil is in good condition. Till the soil to break up compacted areas and add organic matter like compost to improve its fertility and drainage.
- Know Your Planting Zone: Chicago is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, so choose plants that are suitable for this zone to ensure they thrive in your garden.
- Start Seeds Indoors: Many plants benefit from an early start indoors before being transplanted outside. Start seeds for vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants indoors in early spring. If you’ve missed the window to plant seeds, visit your local garden center or hardware store for flowers and vegetables that are ready to be transplanted.?
- Plant Cool-Season Crops: Early spring is the perfect time to plant cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, peas, and radishes. These plants can tolerate cooler temperatures and will bolt (go to seed) in hot weather, so it's best to get them in the ground early.
- Watch for Frost: While the weather in Chicago can start to warm up in spring, frost is still a possibility until late May. Keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to cover tender plants with row covers or blankets if frost is predicted.
- Divide Perennials: Spring is an excellent time to divide and transplant perennials like hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses. Dividing these plants helps rejuvenate them and can also provide you with new plants to fill in other areas of your garden.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like shredded bark or compost are ideal for improving soil health as they break down over time.
- Prune: Spring is the time to prune woody plants like shrubs and trees before they start actively growing. Remove dead or damaged branches, and shape plants as needed to promote healthy growth.
- Water Wisely: As the weather warms up, plants will need more water to thrive. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth, and water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
- Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for signs of pests and diseases in your garden, and take action promptly to prevent them from spreading. Removing affected leaves or using organic pest control methods can help keep your plants healthy.
I hope these tips give you a great start to a productive spring gardening season. There’s one thing for sure, Chicagoans love summer and it’s the best feeling to come home to a beautiful and relaxing outdoor space. If you need landscape or gardening resources, please reach out to me. I’m here to help!
