The Connecticut Flower & Garden Show is a highlight for garden lovers, bringing inspiration to homeowners every February. Held in Hartford, this event is one of the largest of its kind in New England, featuring breathtaking floral displays, creative landscaping ideas, and educational seminars by gardening experts.
If your kids enjoy gardening, this event can also be a fun and interactive day out for them. If you needed a sign to start preparing your garden for spring, this is it.
Tackle the Lawn
After months of cold weather, your lawn will need some attention before the growing season starts. Raking out thatch, aerating the soil, and addressing bare patches will help grass grow evenly. Thatch, which is a layer of dead grass and organic matter, can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the soil if left unchecked.
Early spring is also a good time to apply a slow-release fertilizer to give your lawn a strong start. Choosing the right type of grass seed for your region and overseeding any sparse areas can encourage lush growth.
Investing in a self propelled mower can make maintenance easier, especially if you have a larger yard. A well-kept lawn not only looks good but also creates a safe, comfortable space for kids to play throughout the year. Regular mowing, watering, and occasional weeding will help keep your lawn looking its best all season long.
Look After the Soil
Winter often leaves soil compacted and depleted of nutrients. Turning the soil and mixing in compost or organic matter will improve its texture and fertility, making it more suitable for planting.
Well-conditioned soil helps bulbs and plants establish strong roots, leading to healthier growth throughout the season. If you plan to plant vegetables, adding mulch can help retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Testing your soil’s pH levels can also guide you in choosing the right fertilizers or amendments to ensure optimal plant health.
Adding aged manure or organic compost to garden beds provides essential nutrients, giving your plants a strong foundation. If your soil has a high clay content, mixing in sand or perlite can help improve aeration.
Keeping the soil covered with mulch or ground cover plants can prevent erosion and retain essential moisture as the temperatures begin to rise.
Is It Too Late to Plant Flowers?
If you’re looking to add color to your garden right now, there are plenty of flowers you can plant at the end of February. Pansies, snapdragons, and violas can handle cooler temperatures and will brighten up flower beds as the weather warms. These flowers are great for adding vibrant color while you wait for summer blooms.
If you’re hoping for summer flowers, this is the time to plant daffodils, tulips, and lilies, as they need time to establish their roots before blooming in warmer weather.
However, some flowers, such as peonies and certain perennials, should have been planted in the fall to allow for proper root development. If you missed the window for those, you can always plan ahead for next year by marking your calendar for fall planting.
Perennials like lavender, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans can also be planted in early spring and will return year after year. When choosing plants, consider your region’s climate and the amount of sunlight your garden gets to ensure successful growth.
Create Cute Flower Beds with the Kids
Getting kids involved in gardening can be a fun and educational experience. Creating simple flower beds is a great way to introduce them to planting and caring for flowers.
Start by choosing a small, manageable area for their flower bed. Let them pick out easy-to-grow flowers like marigolds, zinnias, or sunflowers, which are hardy and grow quickly.
Using raised beds or large pots can also make planting easier for little hands. Providing child-friendly tools, such as small watering cans and lightweight shovels, can help make the process more enjoyable.
To keep it fun, let kids use small garden tools and encourage them to dig, plant, and water their flowers.
Labeling plants with colorful signs or painted stones can make it more engaging and help kids remember what they planted. Giving kids the responsibility of watering and weeding their flower beds will help them stay involved.
A simple watering schedule or a weekly check-in can teach them the basics of plant care. Encouraging them to keep a gardening journal or take photos of their flowers as they grow can also add an extra layer of excitement. As their flowers bloom, they’ll feel a sense of accomplishment in watching something they planted thrive.
Spring is the perfect time to breathe life back into your garden. Whether you’re clearing out winter debris, refreshing the soil, or planting new flowers, each step helps create a beautiful and welcoming outdoor space. Getting kids involved makes the process even more enjoyable, turning gardening into a family activity that brings color and joy to your home. With the right preparation, your garden will be full of life and ready to enjoy throughout the season.
