Beat Those Winter Blues: 15 Tips to Plan for Spring

“Even winter – the hardest season, the most implacable – dreams, as February creeps on, of the flame that will presently melt it away.  Everything tires with time, and starts to seek some opposition, to save it from itself.” – Clive Barker, The Hellbound Heart, 1986

Last week, good ‘ol Punxsutawney Phil saw his infamous shadow which means (insert drum roll here) 6 more weeks of Winter.  Unfortunately, that’s six more weeks of dealing with the Indiana snowfalls and occasional layers of ice that we’re accustomed to, although we hope you use our snow removal services to alleviate some of the stress that Winter brings!  Despite Phil’s best attempts to hold on to chilly Winter days as long as possible, we believe that it’s never too early to plan for the season ahead.

As you grab your coffee, tea, or hot cocoa – curl up on the couch, dream of warm, sunshiny days, and review this list of things to get you prepped and ready for spring!

15 Tips to Prepare Your Lawn for Spring

1. Time to plan: Pick up some garden catalogs or look online to plan for the season.
2. Let’s plot the season: You can plot your property and garden on paper (graph paper works best).
3. Got a garden journal? If not, get one.  Make notes of previous results, plants to try this year, and where you will plant them.  This is also a terrific time to make a shopping list.
4. Order seeds: Order seeds early because some sell out fast. (if you have enough space, you may even order extra seeds to provide food for a local food pantry, charity or soup kitchen)
5. Feed the birds: Did you know that February is National Bird Feeding month? We encourage you to provide food, water and shelter to help wild birds survive during this tough month.
6. Get going with the veggies: You can start planting broccoli, cabbage, kale, lettuce and brussels sprouts by mid-February. By March – you can begin seeds for peppers, tomatoes, annuals and perennials.
7. Check your tools: Inspect your garden tools to make sure they are cleaned, sharpened and ready for action.
8. Got tubers/bulbs? Sort through your stored tubers and bulbs. Make sure to dispose any that are mushy, moldy or stinky.
9. Are your houseplants smiling? Your houseplants experience a hibernation during the short days of winter. As the days get longer – you may resume ½ strength fertilizer mixture and increase it bi-weekly until you reach full strength.   March – September are the key months for houseplant fertilization.
10. Lawn Mower Tune-Up: Now is the time to get your lawn mower tuned-up and blades sharpened. Get in before the mad rush!
11. Stock up: After you check your tools, take stock of all the things you will need this season (tools, fertilizers, sprays, etc.) and add them to your shopping list. You may also be able to find some great sales on leftover items from last year.
12. Evergreens dry? If it’s above 40°F, enjoy the outdoors and re-apply anti-desiccant spray to your evergreens – or better yet – give RLM a call and let us do it for you!
13. Workshops: find local workshops and garden shows to brush up on your knowledge.
14. Stay off the grass: to encourage a green, healthy-looking lawn this spring, don’t walk on the grass.  If the grass is covered in frost, snow or ice – walking on it will crush and break off the grass blades.  On a nice sunny day, you may cause damage by compacting the soil.  Best advice is to wait until the temperature warms up and the ground dries out before you take that stroll.
15. Sign up with RLM for your spring cleanup: Now’s the time to sign up for your spring cleanup service. At Ricci’s Landscape Management Inc, we offer a variety of professional spring cleanup services to suit your custom needs. We will utilize all necessary equipment and staff that will restore and prepare your property for the season including:
    • Clean and prep landscape beds
    • Plant fertilizer will be applied to stimulate growth and overall health
    • Cut back necessary grasses, perennials and other deciduous shrubs
    • Clear lawn and landscape beds of fallen leaves, sticks and debris
    • Haul away debris

Ricci’s Landscape Management is A Quick Phone Call Away!

At RLM, we are proud to have a team of experts that are always happy to answer your questions, provide recommendations, and find the best landscaping solutions for your residence or business. To speak with one of our spring cleanup service professionals, contact us today or give us a call at 219.996.2682. We look forward to working with you!