Planting for Spring: 5 Seeds to Sow and How to Use Mulch and Bark for Optimal Growth

Spring has arrived, and it’s time to fill your garden with hope, joy, and stunning blooms. As the winter season fades, many gardeners look forward to planting new seeds and sprucing up their gardens. Early spring is the perfect time to start sowing seeds that thrive in cooler temperatures and have enough time to mature before the summer heat sets in. However, planting during the early spring season can be a challenge due to the fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable weather.

To increase the chances of a bountiful harvest, we’ll share five seeds that are perfect for early spring and how to use the appropriate gardening techniques. But planting isn’t just about scattering seeds everywhere and hoping for the best. In this post, we’ll discuss how to use mulch and bark to support seed growth.

Choose the right seeds

If you’re new to gardening, you might not know which plants thrive in the early spring season. The good news is that there are many vegetables and herbs that you can plant during this time, such as lettuce, beets, carrots, radishes, and peas. Be sure to choose seeds that are labeled as “cold-hardy” or “frost-tolerant” to ensure that they survive the early spring temperatures.

Peas

Peas are a cool-season crop and are one of the first seeds you can plant in early spring. Sow them in well-drained soil, about 1 inch apart and one inch deep. They can handle the frost and will sprout within a week or two. When the seedlings reach about 3 inches tall, add a layer of mulch around them to keep the soil moist and prevent weed growth. Peas prefer acidic soil, so consider adding a layer of pine bark mulch to condition the soil.

Lettuce

Salad greens, like lettuce, spinach, and kale, prefer cooler temperatures and can be sown in early spring. They grow well in well-drained soil, and the seeds should be sown about 1/4 inch deep and an inch apart. To promote seed germination, keep the soil moist by spraying water on it daily. Once the seedlings begin to grow, add a layer of organic mulch, like grass clippings or straw, to keep the soil moist and prevent weeds.

Carrots

Carrots are a root vegetable that prefers loose, well-drained soil. Sow the seeds directly into the soil about 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart. After the seedlings emerge, thin them out to 3-4 inches apart. Mulch the area around the seedlings with a thin layer of shredded bark mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.

Radishes

Radishes are easy to grow, and their seeds can be sown directly in the soil about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart. They prefer cooler temperatures and can be sown early in the spring. Once they have sprouted and reached an inch in height, add a layer of organic mulch to keep the soil moist and regulate the temperature.

Beets

Beets are root vegetables that prefer cooler temperatures and well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Sow the seeds directly into the soil about 1/2 inch deep and 4 inches apart. After the seedlings emerge, thin them out to 1-2 inches apart. To provide the beets with enough organic matter and moisture, add a layer of mulch, like chopped leaves or straw.

Prepare the soil

Before planting the seeds, it’s important to prepare the soil. Start by removing any weeds or rocks from the area where you’ll be planting. Next, loosen the soil using a garden fork to a depth of at least 6 inches. This will allow the roots of the plants to penetrate the soil easily. Finally, add compost or aged manure to the soil to enrich it with nutrients.

Use mulch to regulate temperature

Mulch is a layer of organic materials such as leaves, straw, or grass clippings that are spread over the soil. It helps regulate soil temperature by keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Mulch is also effective in retaining moisture, which can reduce the amount of watering needed. Spread a layer of mulch over the soil after planting the seeds, but be careful not to cover the seeds with the mulch.

Use bark for moisture retention

Bark is an ideal material for gardeners who want to retain moisture and control weeds. It’s made from shredded tree bark and provides a natural-looking ground cover for garden pathways and borders. Although it’s not as effective in regulating soil temperature as mulch, bark is ideal for moisture retention. When used in conjunction with mulch, it can help keep the soil moist and reduce the amount of watering needed.

Water regularly and keep an eye on the weather

Finally, it’s important to water the seeds regularly and keep an eye on the weather. Early spring weather can be unpredictable and a sudden frost can damage or kill young seedlings. If the temperature is expected to drop below freezing, cover the plants with a cloth or plastic sheeting to protect them from the cold.

Early spring is the perfect season to start planting and preparing your garden for the rest of the year. With these essential tips on planting early spring seeds with mulch and bark, you’re well on your way to a successful garden. By choosing seeds that thrive in cooler temperatures like peas, lettuce, carrots, radishes, and beets, you can start producing food and ornamental plants. Always keep the soil moist and add a layer of mulch, like bark or organic matter, to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth. And lastly, be sure to water regularly and protect your plants against frost.

With these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying a bountiful harvest in no time! Give G & L Bark Supply a call today for all your gardening needs.