The 5 P's of Spring Gardening Success for Seniors

Warmer weather is on the way! As spring arrives, now is the perfect time to kickstart the growing season. Whether you're starting a new garden or maintaining a robust one you’ve had for years, gardening is a rewarding hobby that offers fresh air, exercise and a sense of accomplishment. 

Gardening can be tailored to your independence and energy levels, whether you have a large backyard, a community garden plot or just a few containers on your patio. No matter your skill level, these five tips will help you ease into the spring gardening season with confidence:

1. Plan

If you're new to gardening or have recently moved, check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to determine which plants thrive best in your area. The map will instruct you on the best planting times and offer tips on pest control, soil health and more. This ensures your garden will get the best start this spring.

2. Plant

Spring is the perfect time to plant both new and perennial favorites. Cool-season vegetables like lettuce, spinach and peas can be picked early, while flowers like pansies, tulips and daffodils will brighten up your garden. Perennials, shrubs and trees can also be planted now before the weather really warms up. Visit your local garden center to find plants that catch your eye!

3. Propagate

Now is also a great time to propagate plants from last season. Divide perennials such as hostas, daylilies and irises to create new plants for your garden. Ensure they’re well-watered and mulched to encourage healthy growth as it gets warmer outside. If space is limited, consider sharing plants with friends or family. This is a great way to spread the joy of gardening!

4. Prune

Spring pruning helps shape your plants and encourages healthy growth. Trim back dead or damaged branches and be sure to remove any overgrown or unhealthy foliage. Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs until after they bloom to avoid cutting off new growth. For more pruning tips, you can check resources like The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

5. Prepare

The last essential step is to prepare your garden for the growing season. This can be done by refreshing your soil with compost or other organic material, mulching around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds and cleaning and sharpening your gardening tools. Also, if you’re using an irrigation system, don’t forget to inspect it to ensure it’s working efficiently.

Now is a great time to set gardening goals. This spring, think about what grew well last year and what you’d like to try this year. Plan your layout, order seeds early and jot down notes to make the most of this growing season. However, if maintaining your garden or home feels overwhelming, consider touring a senior living community. At Masonicare, you can enjoy manageable garden spaces while receiving support with maintenance and other chores.

For more information, please visit www.masonicare.org/ct-locations or call 888.332.0033.