Spring has officially arrived in Lincoln, California, and it’s time to roll up your sleeves and breathe new life into your home and garden. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just someone who loves the idea of a backyard blooming with color, this guide will help you prep for the season ahead. Let’s dig in—literally!
Step 1: Inspect Before You Invest
Before you start planting or painting, take a good look around your yard. Winter can be brutal on gardens and hardscaping. Check for signs of damage to fences, trellises, or retaining walls. Look out for sneaky animal burrows courtesy of rabbits or moles—those little critters are crafty! If your plants look like they’ve been through a battle with frostbite, jot that down, too. A quick inspection now saves headaches later.
Step 2: Hardscaping SOS
Spring is prime time for fixing up hardscaping elements while plants are still dormant. Got a fence that’s sagging or stepping stones that wobble like bad dance moves? Repair them now! Add fresh paint or sealant to wooden structures like decks and raised beds to keep them looking sharp. If you’ve been dreaming of new garden borders or raised beds, Lincoln’s local suppliers, like RockPros Landscape or Far West Rents, have everything you need to get started.
Step 3: Clean Up Your Act
Winter debris doesn’t exactly scream “spring vibes.” Clear out dead leaves, fallen branches, and last year’s plant leftovers from your garden beds. Don’t forget to clean your birdbath—it’s not just décor; it’s a spa for feathered friends! For water features, ponds, or containers, scrub them with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 5 parts water) to keep pests and diseases at bay.
Step 4: Soil TLC
Healthy soil equals happy plants. Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels every few years—you can snag testing kits at Lincoln Home Depot or Green Acres Nursery & Supply. Once you know what your soil needs, enrich it with compost or organic fertilizer. Pro tip: Topdress your soil with compost right before your bulbs start popping up for an extra boost.
Step 5: Prune Like a Pro
Grab those pruners and channel your inner Edward Scissorhands. Trim dead wood from trees and shrubs damaged by winter weather. For flowering shrubs that bloom on new wood (like hydrangeas), spring pruning is a must. But, hands off early bloomers like azaleas—cutting them now risks ruining their flower show later!
Step 6: Divide and Conquer
If some of your perennials are hogging all the space in the garden bed, it’s time to divide them. Moving summer bloomers now ensures they’ll thrive in their new spot without disrupting their cycle. For shrubs, early spring is ideal for transplanting—just make sure they’re not in bloom yet.
Step 7: Mulch Mania
Mulch isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s the secret sauce for retaining moisture and keeping weeds at bay. Spread organic mulch like bark or shredded leaves around flower beds and shrubs to protect roots from temperature swings. Bonus: Mulch makes your garden look polished without breaking the bank.
Step 8: Plant Smart
Lincoln falls into USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9–10, meaning you can start planting earlier than in many other regions. Cool-weather annuals like pansies and petunias can handle the chill, but wait until after the last frost date for most other flowers and veggies. Need supplies? Check out High-Hand Nursery for unique shrubs or Proven Winners plants at Green Acres Nursery.
Step 9: Lawn Love
Your lawn deserves some TLC, too! Dethatch it to remove dead grass buildup, aerate for better water absorption, and overseed bare patches with fresh grass seed. Apply a slow-release fertilizer to keep it lush all season long—and don’t forget regular mowing to maintain its curb appeal.
Step 10: Pest Patrol
Spring pests are inevitable, but you can fight back without resorting to harsh chemicals. Neem oil works wonders on aphids and mites, while companion planting (like marigolds near tomatoes) naturally deters bugs. Stay vigilant with regular weeding—those pesky invaders won’t stand a chance!
Local Resources Worth Exploring
Lincoln residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to garden prep resources:
- High-Hand Nursery: Known for its stunning greenhouses filled with Japanese maples and California natives.
- RockPros Landscape: Perfect for bulk landscaping materials.
- Green Acres Nursery & Supply: A one-stop shop for irrigation systems, fertilizers, and decorative pottery.
- Lincoln Home Depot Garden Center: Ideal for DIYers looking for tools, seeds, and mulch.
Get Ready to Grow!
Spring isn’t just a season; it’s an opportunity to transform your outdoor space into something spectacular. With these tips—and Lincoln’s local resources—you’ll be well on your way to creating a garden that’s as vibrant as the community itself!
Sources: provenwinners.com, parkerbs.com
Header Image Source: Zoe Richardson on Unsplash
