Gardening Tips for Your New Home

With the overnight frost almost at bay, the outdoor gardens centres are buzzing. Hanging baskets, veggie gardens, patio planters and bedding plants are ready for your attention. But Calgary’s quirky climate can cause even the greenest of thumbs some grief. Don’t worry though; we have some helpful tips to keep your garden in bloom throughout the summer.

• Weeding: Get a head start while the ground is still wet as pulling those pesky dandelions and thistles will be much easier than in the height of summer when the ground is dry. If you get to them quickly, you’ll prevent the flowers setting seed.
• Lawn: Clean off any dead leaves and debris left over from winter. Avoid raking the grass until it’s dry though.
• Potted Plants: If you’re new to gardening start with potted outdoor plants. Visit your garden store for tips on what flowers work best together – or save yourself some time and select a ready made pot. Cooler evening temperatures may require you to bring them into the house at night – keep an eye on the weather forecast to be sure.
• Hanging Baskets: Like potted plants, hanging baskets are great for novice gardeners. It’s good to know how much sun exposure they’ll receive before seeking advice from the garden centre.
• Edibles: Plants like chives and rhubarb thrive in Calgary and are great options for a veggie garden. If you have the space, think about building a raised bed for vegetables, as it will protect the plants from cooler in ground temperatures. Or, simplify things and start with a potted mixed herb or tomato plant.
• Expert Advice: Many landscaping companies offer spring clean up packages. If you’re unsure what to plant where, it never hurts to have an expert pop by to offer some tips and trick of the trade.