As spring and summer approach, it’s the perfect time to rejuvenate your yard, ensuring it remains neat and inviting throughout the warmer months. Landscaping is not only about maintaining a clean and organized appearance, but it also enhances your outdoor space, making it a more enjoyable environment. Here are some essential landscaping tips tailored for the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky regions, along with local suppliers to assist you in your endeavors.
1. Early Spring Preparation
Begin by cleaning up flowerbeds, removing debris, and pruning trees and shrubs to encourage healthy growth. This sets the foundation for a thriving landscape. Pruning is particularly important because it helps to remove dead or damaged branches, allowing new growth to emerge. Additionally, clearing your beds of leaves, twigs, and other debris left over from winter will prevent pests and diseases from taking hold. For those planting new flowers or shrubs, now is the time to do so to give them a chance to establish themselves before the hotter summer months arrive.
2. Soil Enrichment
Enhance your soil’s fertility by adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This improves soil structure, promotes root development, and increases water retention. Testing your soil’s pH can also give you insight into any adjustments needed to create an optimal growing environment. Organic amendments help improve the quality of the soil, and over time, they break down, providing long-term benefits for your plants. Regularly enriching your soil is key to creating a vibrant and sustainable landscape.
3. Mulching
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around perennials and shrubs to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching also adds a polished look to your garden beds. Organic mulch, such as wood chips, bark, or shredded leaves, breaks down slowly, enriching the soil. Be mindful to avoid piling mulch too close to the base of plants, which can lead to rot. Replenishing mulch throughout the season ensures that your beds stay protected and visually appealing.
4. Prudent Watering
Water your plants deeply and early in the morning to minimize evaporation and ensure roots receive adequate moisture. Adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and specific plant needs. It’s essential to water less frequently but more thoroughly to encourage deeper root systems, which can withstand dry periods. Installing a drip irrigation system or using a soaker hose can be a water-efficient way to keep your garden hydrated without overdoing it.
5. Incorporate Herb Spirals
Consider building an herb spiral—a space-efficient, visually appealing structure that allows you to grow a variety of herbs in a compact area. This design creates microclimates, accommodating plants with different moisture and sunlight requirements. Herb spirals are a fantastic way to maximize space in smaller yards and create a focal point for your garden. Herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano are ideal candidates for these structures.
6. Plant Deer-Resistant Groundcovers
To deter local wildlife from feasting on your plants, incorporate deer-resistant groundcovers such as Lamb’s Ear, Creeping Sedum, or Thyme. These plants possess characteristics that make them less appealing to deer. By using groundcovers, you can also reduce the need for mulch in some areas and create a lush, low-maintenance garden that’s both beautiful and functional.
Local Suppliers for Landscaping Materials
To source quality materials for your landscaping projects, consider these reputable suppliers in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas:
- Evans Landscaping: Offers a wide variety of landscaping supplies and services to both residential and commercial clients in Cincinnati.
- H. Hafner & Sons: Provides an extensive selection of landscape materials, serving customers throughout Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Indiana since 1923.
- Affordable Landscape Supplies: Located in Burlington, KY, they offer a comprehensive range of landscaping materials at competitive prices, serving Boone and Kenton Counties.
- Guidugli Landscape Supplies & Property Services: Serving Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky communities, they provide a variety of landscape supplies and property services.
By implementing these landscaping strategies and sourcing materials from local suppliers, you can create a neat, vibrant, and sustainable yard that enhances your property’s beauty throughout the spring and summer seasons.
See more tips from your neighborhood guide, Natalie Wilson.
