When spring rolls around, there’s nothing we want to do more than get outside. Temperatures rise, days get longer, and reminders of renewal and rebirth are everywhere — from a delicately constructed nest perched high in a tree to the first bud pushing forth from a shrub.
With snow covering the ground in many parts of the country, and spring’s official start more than a month and a half away, it may be a long time until home gardeners are outside digging. But it’s never too early to start planning. We’d like to hear what you want to do once it’s time to get outside again.
Homeowners: Tell us how you’d like to improve your garden this spring, whether you’re a first-time gardener or have years of experience, whether it’s a complete overhaul or just a minor refresh. Share your tips and ideas in the Comments below.
Professionals: What garden or outdoor projects will you be working on this spring? Upload a picture to the Comments and tell us what your clients are asking for this year.
Chris Snook
Is this the year you plan to grow your own food? Maybe you’ve already gardened with edibles for a few seasons and want to expand your garden or experiment with different varieties.
Esiah Levy, shown here, converted his backyard lawn in south London to an edible oasis when he realized how much money he spent on organic produce. After studying organic fruit and vegetable growing, he implemented his own version of no-dig gardening on his 15-by-9-foot plot and now sustains himself by growing all the organic produce he needs.
Tell us: Do you plan to grow edibles this year? Maybe you intend to build raised beds or add more containers to your balcony? Share your edible-gardening plans and photos in the Comments below.
Curtis Horticulture, Inc.
California entered its fourth year of drought in 2015, Texas experienced its wettest months on record last year, and 2016 has already delivered its fair share of extreme weather. Are you rethinking your planting palette to better suit your climate, whether that’s growing low-maintenance natives or well-adapted, noninvasive exotics?
In this Bay Area backyard, an outdoor living area is surrounded by low-maintenance, low-water plantings. Permeable decomposed granite pathways and spaced pavers reduce stormwater runoff, creating a space that’s not only relaxing and attractive, but also resilient.
Your turn: Are you rethinking what you’re growing in your region? Tell us about your ideas and plans for a more resilient garden in the Comments below.
Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens
Or is this the year to start fresh? Maybe you’re planning to tackle that back corner plot that’s stood bare or abandoned for years, or you’ve recently moved and are looking to make the outdoor space your own.
Tell us: First-time gardeners or homeowners starting from scratch, what are your garden goals this year? Tell us in the Comments or show us what you’re working on.