- Choose the Right Containers & Grow Bags
Ensure your containers have good drainage and are the right size for your plants. Fabric grow bags are great for airflow and root health. If you are reusing your grow bag from last season, make sure it is clean and remember to refresh the soil.
- Use High-Quality Soil
Refresh your containers with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Avoid using last year’s depleted soil unless it’s been amended with fresh foundation, compost, or Gardenuity’s Soil Serum.
- Pick Cool-Season Plants
Early spring is ideal for growing leafy greens like Swiss chard, kale, and lettuce, as well as hardy herbs like parsley and mint.
- Position for Sunlight
Most plants need 6+ hours of sunlight. As the days get longer, adjust your containers to maximize sun exposure.
- Water Smartly
Let the rain fall. Remember rain is the best way to hydrate your garden so position your containers in a place they can reap the benefits. Containers dry out faster than in-ground gardens. Remember to check soil moisture regularly, ensuring it’s damp but not soggy.
- Keep Your Soil Alive and Thriving
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Unlike lifeless dirt, living soil is rich in microbes, fungi, and organic matter that help plants grow strong and resilient. Remember to aerate and loosen your soil and remember you can add eggshells for a calcium boost, coffee grounds for some nitrogen, and banana water for some added and natural potassium.
- Watch for Unexpected Frosts
Remember to bring your garden inside if temperatures drop below 30 degrees.
- Encourage Pollinators & Beneficial Insects
Plant containers of flowers like violas or calendula nearby to attract bees and butterflies, helping your container garden thrive.
- Rotate & Refresh Plants as the Season Changes
As temperatures warm, swap out cool-season plants for heat-loving varieties like tomatoes, peppers, and basil.
- Enjoy & Harvest Regularly
The beauty of container gardening is its accessibility! Harvest greens and herbs frequently to encourage new growth and enjoy the fresh flavors of spring.
Whether you’re gardening on a patio, balcony, or small urban space, early spring is the perfect time to start. What’s growing in your containers this season?