Early spring is the time to lay the foundations for a beautiful and productive garden. Start with cleaning: remove old leaves, trim dry branches, remove trash.
This is not only aesthetics, but also disease prevention. For example, last year's foliage is a breeding ground for fungal spores, and broken branches attract bark beetles.
What needs to be done at the dacha in spring
1. Check the condition of trees and shrubs. If there are cracks in the bark, cover them with garden pitch. And to protect against sunburn, whitewash the trunks with lime.
Add copper sulfate to the solution (3 tablespoons per 10 liters of water) - this will increase protection against pests.
Young trees with smooth bark can be wrapped in burlap or spunbond - they are still sensitive to temperature changes.
2. Renew the mulch in flower beds and garden beds - this will retain moisture and inhibit weed growth.
Use not only sawdust, but also pine cones, bark or coconut fiber - they decompose longer. And put cardboard under the mulch - it will suppress weeds and over time turn into humus.
3. Use natural indicators. For example, the flowering of coltsfoot suggests that you can sow carrots and parsley. And if dandelions bloom, it’s time to plant potatoes.
But don’t rush with heat-loving crops: plant cucumbers, squash and pumpkins when the soil temperature reaches +15 degrees Celsius.
What not to do
The most important thing is not to overdo it. Give the plants time to wake up and the soil time to recover.
For example, you shouldn’t loosen the beds immediately after the snow melts – wait until the soil dries out, otherwise you will compact it even more.
And don’t overwater the plants “just in case” – excess moisture will displace oxygen from the soil, and the roots will begin to rot.
Little known life hack
Hang clear plastic bottles filled with yellow water around the garden. Insect pests are attracted to the bright color and drown in the liquid.
And to attract beneficial insects, plant dill, yarrow or daisies - their nectar is loved by ladybugs and lacewings, which destroy aphids.
And finally, don't throw away eggshells. Crush them and scatter them around your plants - this will both provide calcium and protect against slugs.
And mix coffee grounds with soil - it will scare away ants and enrich the soil with nitrogen. Follow these tips, and your garden will become the envy of your neighbors!
