The winter is coming to an end this week in Lee County. As we and our plants begin the transition from the cold season to the warmer seasons, it is a great time to take stock of your situation before the heat is upon us. Whether you’re a novice with a trowel or a seasoned green thumb, there’s always something to learn and do in the garden. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the season, tailored to your experience and garden’s age.

If you are a new gardener

The soil is your and your garden’s most important asset, and most folks are quick to overlook it. Don’t be one of them! Your plants are growing in the soil, so start with a soil test and understand what is going on with the soil before you add fertilizer or lime. Most soil, whether it is sand or clay, can be amended with organic matter to improve its structure, water holding capacity, and nutrient holding capacity.

New gardeners can be excited and keen, and open to all sorts of information about gardening as they are learning. There is a lot of information on the Internet, but not all of it applies to our climate here in Central North Carolina. Remember, the information that you find needs to be filtered to consider our hot, dry summers, deluge-like rain events, and relatively mild winters.

New gardeners should start slowly with easy to grow plants, such as sunflowers or herbs. This will help you learn the basics, and should be successful, thus building your confidence.

If you are an experienced gardener

Experienced gardeners know their gardens and usually know their plants. They know what their goals are, what the cycles of the year look like, and can have an intuition when it comes to their landscapes. Yet, don’t forget the fundamentals still apply, no matter the gardener’s experience. Even experienced gardeners can learn new things. Look into new varieties of plants, or new gardening techniques. The science of gardening is always discovering something new that can help you be more successful in your gardening endeavors.

For the Young Garden (or New Homeowners)

The new garden or the undeveloped space can be a source of inspiration and hope. It is also important to think about what your landscape goals are before you go out and buy plants or seeds. You can save yourself a lot of time and money if you think through what you want to accomplish in your garden and how much time you have for the maintenance of the garden area.

The foundation of a healthy garden is healthy soil. If you are starting a new garden area, then you should do a soil test before planting anything. Mulching and adding organic matter helps the soil support the life of your plants and the soil microbiome (all the microorganisms that live in the soil!).

Finally, if you have purchased a new-build home, it is important to assess what kind of landscape has come with your home. First, if you don’t like the plants in your landscape, don’t keep them (pending HOA regulations). It is your yard, and you should like what is there! Make sure the plants in your landscape were planted appropriately, and understand how they were installed and maintained before you purchased your home. Even the toughest, most tolerant plants will eventually die from improper planting and maintenance. Be proactive about your landscape.

If your garden is mature

A mature garden can be a beautiful sight. It can be both stable and dynamic, but it can also be taken for granted. Gardens, no matter their age, still need some fertilizer every now and then. Plants get older and need regular maintenance, such as pruning or replacement, especially if they are species or varieties that will mature past their expected size. Evaluate the health of your trees and shrubs, and address any signs of decline. Plants can age out of a landscape, especially as our summers get hotter and drier. Consider watering your garden and prized plants during extreme droughts.

Mature gardens offer opportunities for refinement. Consider dividing perennials to promote vigor and create new planting areas. Evaluate your garden’s layout and consider if any changes would enhance its beauty or functionality. As trees grow, shade patterns change, as well. Observe your shade, and change out plants that may not be getting the correct amount of sun. Also, consider if you want to add plants that thrive in shade.

If you are growing a vegetable garden, crop rotation is critical. Yes, we’re looking at you prize tomato growers! Pests and diseases will catch up with you eventually if you don’t.

General Advice for All

Gardening is a continuous journey, regardless of your experience. Embrace the process and enjoy the rewards. Be observant, and address problems before they become major issues. Whether you’re nurturing a budding garden or maintaining a mature landscape, remember that gardening is a rewarding and ever-evolving experience. Embrace the season and enjoy the beauty of your Lee County garden!

Amanda Bratcher is the Horticulture Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Lee County.