{"id":2359,"date":"2024-07-05T13:53:49","date_gmt":"2024-07-05T13:53:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/?p=2359"},"modified":"2024-07-05T14:15:19","modified_gmt":"2024-07-05T14:15:19","slug":"spring-gardening-tips-for-beginners-cleanup-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/spring-gardening-tips-for-beginners-cleanup-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring Gardening Tips For Beginners \u2013 Cleanup Time"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_section css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1720187499375{padding-right: 100px !important;padding-left: 150px !important;}&#8221; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687f9e41e2f7&#8243; responsive_spacing=&#8221;eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njg3ZjllNDFlMmY3Iiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfc2VjdGlvbiIsImRhdGEiOnsidGFibGV0Ijp7fSwibW9iaWxlIjp7fX19&#8243; mobile_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; woodmart_gradient_switch=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_box_shadow=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_z_index=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_disable_overflow=&#8221;0&#8243;][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;7\/12&#8243; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687fa49edbb9&#8243; parallax_scroll=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_sticky_column=&#8221;false&#8221; wd_collapsible_content_switcher=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; mobile_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; woodmart_box_shadow=&#8221;no&#8221; responsive_spacing=&#8221;eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njg3ZmE0OWVkYmI5Iiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfY29sdW1uIiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=&#8221; mobile_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_z_index=&#8221;no&#8221;]\t\t\t<link rel=\"stylesheet\" id=\"wd-text-block-css\" href=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/themes\/woodmart\/css\/parts\/el-text-block.min.css?ver=7.4.3\" type=\"text\/css\" media=\"all\" \/> \t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fa6f5196e\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687fa6f5196e text-left \">\n\t\t\t<p>So you created a garden last season and want to reap the benefits from it again this season. How do you prepare it for your spring, summer, and fall blooms? Here are some spring gardening tips for beginners that will help produce a thriving environment for not only last year\u2019s flowers but also for this year\u2019s plantings. After cleaning up your area you may wish to plant some annuals or replace dead perennials with new.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>(Some of the links within this post are affiliate links on which I receive a small compensation from the sale of certain items.)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;5\/12&#8243; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687fa41bec77&#8243; parallax_scroll=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_sticky_column=&#8221;false&#8221; wd_collapsible_content_switcher=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; mobile_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; woodmart_box_shadow=&#8221;no&#8221; responsive_spacing=&#8221;eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njg3ZmE0MWJlYzc3Iiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfY29sdW1uIiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=&#8221; mobile_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_z_index=&#8221;no&#8221;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fa8d517d0\" class=\"wd-image wd-wpb wd-rs-6687fa8d517d0 text-center \">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"274\" height=\"436\" src=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_ccb30132743e475bbec5c71998d48e55mv2.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_ccb30132743e475bbec5c71998d48e55mv2.png 274w, https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_ccb30132743e475bbec5c71998d48e55mv2-189x300.png 189w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 274px) 100vw, 274px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fad075b79\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687fad075b79 text-left \">\n\t\t\t<h2>First Things First \u2013 The Nasty Part<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s easy to maintain your yard and rid it of trash and other unwanted articles. However, the wind, neighbors, and feline, canine, and other critters may deposit undesirable items in your garden. The first thing to do is to remove any litter and animal feces from your garden. Do not compost the animal waste because it could harbor infectious bacteria which could permeate the organic matter.<\/p>\n<p>Use heavy duty gloves when touching the items and be sure to dispose of the items in an appropriate place.<\/p>\n<h2>Rake Leaves and Remove or Break Up Mulch<\/h2>\n<p>Leaves and added mulch from the previous year helped keep the plants protected from a harsh winter. They sheathed the roots of the plants from temperature extremes and sheltered them from ice and snow. It was like a nice, warm, comfy blanket.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;5\/12&#8243; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687fb0194441&#8243; parallax_scroll=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_sticky_column=&#8221;false&#8221; wd_collapsible_content_switcher=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; mobile_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; woodmart_box_shadow=&#8221;no&#8221; responsive_spacing=&#8221;eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njg3ZmIwMTk0NDQxIiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfY29sdW1uIiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=&#8221; mobile_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_z_index=&#8221;no&#8221;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fb28d30a4\" class=\"wd-image wd-wpb wd-rs-6687fb28d30a4 text-center \">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"290\" height=\"419\" src=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_f4538382f7924c7cabd9804dc44ab623mv2.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_f4538382f7924c7cabd9804dc44ab623mv2.png 290w, https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_f4538382f7924c7cabd9804dc44ab623mv2-208x300.png 208w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;7\/12&#8243; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687fb0a75c2c&#8221; parallax_scroll=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_sticky_column=&#8221;false&#8221; wd_collapsible_content_switcher=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; mobile_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; woodmart_box_shadow=&#8221;no&#8221; responsive_spacing=&#8221;eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njg3ZmIwYTc1YzJjIiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfY29sdW1uIiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=&#8221; mobile_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_z_index=&#8221;no&#8221;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fb1ae782e\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687fb1ae782e text-left \">\n\t\t\t<p>However, once late winter and early spring set in, the plants come alive after their long winter\u2019s nap and want to push through unblocked soil. Therefore, it\u2019s important to clear away fallen leaves from the roots of the perennials and also brush away leaves on top of any plants. In addition to the leaves, break up any mulch that has clumped and hardened.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s easy to break up the chunks of the mulch with a hard metal rake or tip of a spade shovel. If you have large chunks that are not easily fragmented then remove them from the garden. In my neighborhood we have pick-up for garden refuse every Wednesday. This is a good way to keep our landfills clean and healthy.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fb4cb3a45\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687fb4cb3a45 text-left \">\n\t\t\t<p>If you do not remove this debris, it will smother the plants and cause them to die.<\/p>\n<h2>The Ungrateful Dead-Spring Gardening Tips<\/h2>\n<p>Now is the time to remove any dead plants. You probably have the remains of annuals from the previous year along with the dead leaves and stalks of perennials. It should be easy to pull the annuals out. However, be careful when pulling out the dead stalks from perennials. You may pull out the entire plant. Usually the stalks will easily break off. If they do not, use hand clippers to cut them low to the ground.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fb7ea2e3c\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687fb7ea2e3c text-left \">\n\t\t\t<p><em>(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If you had not cut back long grasses last fall it is now time to trim them back to about three to four inches. Since the leaves are very thin, it\u2019s best to use scissors to cut them. If you have an abundance of ornamental grasses use an electric hedge shearer to make the job easier. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/WORKPRO-Cordless-Grass-Shrubbery-Trimmer\/dp\/B08ZHG7PPM?crid=3KPATBS9OGZ8J&amp;keywords=garden+electric+hedge+shears&amp;qid=1646330314&amp;sprefix=garden+electric+hedge+shears,aps,67&amp;sr=8-12&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=bestgardeni0d-20&amp;linkId=17bbf4d3694b2124468954ad1a83ce7b&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Purchase Workpro Cordless Grass Sheer and Shrubbery Trimmer from Amazon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fb6ddb446\" class=\"wd-image wd-wpb wd-rs-6687fb6ddb446 text-center \">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"357\" height=\"237\" src=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_6b335d795c454ee8a00144246e57e1c9mv2-2.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_6b335d795c454ee8a00144246e57e1c9mv2-2.png 357w, https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_6b335d795c454ee8a00144246e57e1c9mv2-2-300x199.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 357px) 100vw, 357px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fbbe59f5b\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687fbbe59f5b text-left \">\n\t\t\t<p>Lastly, pull out any weeds that have popped up in your garden. They are not dead but they are unsightly!<\/p>\n<h2>Adding Compost and Mulch<\/h2>\n<p>Once the gardens are properly prepared and the temperatures are consistently warm, work in some compost and mulch around your perennials. Compost is a natural slow releasing fertilizer.<\/p>\n<p>If you would like some guidance on <a href=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/preparing-soil-for-gardening-all-soil-is-not-created-equal\/\">preparing the soil, refer to my previous post Preparing Soil For the Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Add two to three inches of mulch to your garden. Mulch is either organic or inorganic.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687fc887d97c&#8221; parallax_scroll=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_sticky_column=&#8221;false&#8221; wd_collapsible_content_switcher=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; mobile_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; woodmart_box_shadow=&#8221;no&#8221; responsive_spacing=&#8221;eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njg3ZmM4ODdkOTdjIiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfY29sdW1uIiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=&#8221; mobile_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_z_index=&#8221;no&#8221;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fca40d823\" class=\"wd-image wd-wpb wd-rs-6687fca40d823 text-center \">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"255\" height=\"255\" src=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_b23f41481d9c494194feaaf205c8747emv2.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_b23f41481d9c494194feaaf205c8747emv2.png 255w, https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_b23f41481d9c494194feaaf205c8747emv2-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 255px) 100vw, 255px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687fc96e2b44&#8243; parallax_scroll=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_sticky_column=&#8221;false&#8221; wd_collapsible_content_switcher=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; mobile_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; woodmart_box_shadow=&#8221;no&#8221; responsive_spacing=&#8221;eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njg3ZmM5NmUyYjQ0Iiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfY29sdW1uIiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=&#8221; mobile_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_z_index=&#8221;no&#8221;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fc353b82e\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687fc353b82e text-left \">\n\t\t\t<ul>\n<li>Organic Mulch: Any plant byproduct that decomposes over time.<\/li>\n<li>Inorganic Mulch: A product that does not decompose over time.<br \/>\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Benefits and Detriments of Organic Mulch<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li>Improves the fertility of the soil<\/li>\n<li>Aerates (adding air) the soil<\/li>\n<li>Is easier to handle and conform to your garden<\/li>\n<li>Detriment \u2013 need to apply every year<br \/>\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Benefits and Detriments of<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687fc96e2b44&#8243; parallax_scroll=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_sticky_column=&#8221;false&#8221; wd_collapsible_content_switcher=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; mobile_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; woodmart_box_shadow=&#8221;no&#8221; responsive_spacing=&#8221;eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njg3ZmM5NmUyYjQ0Iiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfY29sdW1uIiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=&#8221; mobile_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_z_index=&#8221;no&#8221;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fcc305557\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687fcc305557 text-left \">\n\t\t\t<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Inorganic Mulch<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Does not need to be replaced every year, if ever<\/li>\n<li>Absorbs the early season sun which helps warm up roots and trick plants into growing sooner<\/li>\n<li>Detriment \u2013 since it warms up the soil, it may kill plants due to excessive heat in the summer; must water plants more frequently<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Examples of Organic Mulch<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>leaves<\/li>\n<li>grass clippings<\/li>\n<li>pine needles<\/li>\n<li>cardboard<\/li>\n<li>hardwood and softwood chips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687fc887d97c&#8221; parallax_scroll=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_sticky_column=&#8221;false&#8221; wd_collapsible_content_switcher=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; mobile_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; woodmart_box_shadow=&#8221;no&#8221; responsive_spacing=&#8221;eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njg3ZmM4ODdkOTdjIiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfY29sdW1uIiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=&#8221; mobile_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_z_index=&#8221;no&#8221;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fd1dd48e1\" class=\"wd-image wd-wpb wd-rs-6687fd1dd48e1 text-center \">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"204\" height=\"339\" src=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_aec4073fa4e04ac38b34a540346047c8mv2.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_aec4073fa4e04ac38b34a540346047c8mv2.png 204w, https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_aec4073fa4e04ac38b34a540346047c8mv2-181x300.png 181w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 204px) 100vw, 204px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fd4094385\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687fd4094385 text-left \">\n\t\t\t<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Examples of Inorganic Mulch<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>river rock<\/li>\n<li>stone chips<\/li>\n<li>pulverized rubber<\/li>\n<li>landscape fabric<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Personally, I prefer organic mulch that I buy from the store. The all-natural triple shredded variety which is not dyed to either red or black is most beneficial. It adds nutrients to the soil.<\/p>\n<p>The dyed mulch adds chemicals to the soil over time and the black color will absorb the heat from the sun possibly damaging or killing the plants.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fd631da5b\" class=\"wd-image wd-wpb wd-rs-6687fd631da5b text-left \">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"634\" height=\"90\" src=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ima.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ima.jpg 634w, https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ima-300x43.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 634px) 100vw, 634px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fd864103e\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687fd864103e text-left \">\n\t\t\t<h2>It\u2019s Pruning Time<\/h2>\n<p>Late winter\/early spring is the best time to prune most shrubs and perennials.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Shrubs<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687fe28224f8&#8243; responsive_spacing=&#8221;eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njg3ZmUyODIyNGY4Iiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfcm93IiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=&#8221; mobile_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; woodmart_gradient_switch=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_box_shadow=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_z_index=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_disable_overflow=&#8221;0&#8243; row_reverse_mobile=&#8221;0&#8243; row_reverse_tablet=&#8221;0&#8243;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fde52fec5\" class=\"wd-image wd-wpb wd-rs-6687fde52fec5 text-center \">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"246\" height=\"246\" src=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_2462e968d98c4da4b654e3818f20d8b9mv2.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_2462e968d98c4da4b654e3818f20d8b9mv2.png 246w, https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_2462e968d98c4da4b654e3818f20d8b9mv2-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 246px) 100vw, 246px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fe1064add\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687fe1064add text-left \">\n\t\t\t<p>Cut the dead wood from shrubs. You know it is dead by first bending the stem. If it is pliable (easily bendable without snapping) it is alive, if it snaps, it is dead. Sometimes different areas on the stem maybe be dead and alive.<\/p>\n<p>You can tell the difference by looking inside the stem. If it is brown where you trim, it is dead. If where you trim it is green, it is alive. The dead can be removed at any time. If you want to trim the shrub down, with sharp cutting shears cut the stem on a 45 degree angle about a half inch above a joint.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fe51b8569\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687fe51b8569 text-left \">\n\t\t\t<p>In other words above where a stem or branch branches off from another stem or branch. This is called the node.<\/p>\n<p>You MUST be careful as to when you prune shrubs.<\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Late blooming shrub<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687feb4d853d&#8221; responsive_spacing=&#8221;eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njg3ZmViNGQ4NTNkIiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfcm93IiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=&#8221; mobile_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; woodmart_gradient_switch=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_box_shadow=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_z_index=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_disable_overflow=&#8221;0&#8243; row_reverse_mobile=&#8221;0&#8243; row_reverse_tablet=&#8221;0&#8243;][vc_column width=&#8221;7\/12&#8243; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687fe807ed1c&#8221; parallax_scroll=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_sticky_column=&#8221;false&#8221; wd_collapsible_content_switcher=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; mobile_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; woodmart_box_shadow=&#8221;no&#8221; responsive_spacing=&#8221;eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njg3ZmU4MDdlZDFjIiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfY29sdW1uIiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=&#8221; mobile_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_z_index=&#8221;no&#8221;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fe8ad38f4\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687fe8ad38f4 text-left \">\n\t\t\t<p>Prune in the late winter or early spring. The flowers for the season form on the new growth so there is no fear of cutting off any blooms. Some examples would be rose of Sharon and rose bushes.<\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Early blooming shrub<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;5\/12&#8243; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687fe785d605&#8243; parallax_scroll=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_sticky_column=&#8221;false&#8221; wd_collapsible_content_switcher=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_offcanvas_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_desktop=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_tablet=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_column_role_content_mobile=&#8221;no&#8221; mobile_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; woodmart_box_shadow=&#8221;no&#8221; responsive_spacing=&#8221;eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njg3ZmU3ODVkNjA1Iiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfY29sdW1uIiwiZGF0YSI6eyJ0YWJsZXQiOnt9LCJtb2JpbGUiOnt9fX0=&#8221; mobile_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_reset_margin=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_z_index=&#8221;no&#8221;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fecd697dc\" class=\"wd-image wd-wpb wd-rs-6687fecd697dc text-center \">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"227\" height=\"301\" src=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_2e1fc15a59924627bb58979d7a8a94e9mv2.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687ff600629e\" class=\"wd-image wd-wpb wd-rs-6687ff600629e text-center \">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"331\" height=\"363\" src=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_56e169b299d5406ab2edeb5e66b7eff3mv2-1.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_56e169b299d5406ab2edeb5e66b7eff3mv2-1.png 331w, https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_56e169b299d5406ab2edeb5e66b7eff3mv2-1-274x300.png 274w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 331px) 100vw, 331px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687fefe55e56\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687fefe55e56 text-left \">\n\t\t\t<p>Prune or trim the bush right after the blooms have died. Examples of this are azaleas and rhododendrons.<\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Perennials<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p>You don\u2019t need to prune perennials but you may need to divide them. This is a process where you separate them into portions and plant the portions in a different area. This aerates the plant and breaks up large groupings of the plant. Take a spade shovel and dig straight down through the plant, then remove a portion including the roots. Plant in fertile soil.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687ff8dd69dd\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687ff8dd69dd text-left \">\n\t\t\t<p>Like bushes, you have to divide the perennials at certain times.<\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>If the perennials bloom in early spring, divide them after they bloom.<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>If the perennials bloom later in the season, divide them as soon as they emerge from the soil.<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Finally I\u2019m Done!!-Not Quite<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687ffb57873c\" class=\"wd-image wd-wpb wd-rs-6687ffb57873c text-center \">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"242\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_f8cdf84dfb3d4bb180ad2092fa993f65mv2.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_f8cdf84dfb3d4bb180ad2092fa993f65mv2.png 242w, https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/820204_f8cdf84dfb3d4bb180ad2092fa993f65mv2-227x300.png 227w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 242px) 100vw, 242px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687ffd411b64\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687ffd411b64 text-left \">\n\t\t\t<p>Not quite. Now is the time to edge your garden using a spade or flat edged shovel. You want to do this after a soaking rain to make it easier. Edging creates a smooth clean line and border between your garden and lawn. It looks more manicured and professional.<\/p>\n<p>Now you\u2019re done. It\u2019s time to reap the benefits of all your hard work. I hope you enjoyed these spring gardening tips for beginners and learned a little something along the way. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to comment below.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\t\t<div id=\"wd-6687ffe6c241a\" class=\"wd-text-block wd-wpb reset-last-child wd-rs-6687ffe6c241a text-left \">\n\t\t\t<p>Happy Gardening!<\/p>\n<p>Nina<\/p>\n<p>bestgardeningforbeginners@gmail.com<\/p>\n<p>www.bestgardeningforbeginners.com<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_section css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1720187499375{padding-right: 100px !important;padding-left: 150px !important;}&#8221; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687f9e41e2f7&#8243; responsive_spacing=&#8221;eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2Njg3ZjllNDFlMmY3Iiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfc2VjdGlvbiIsImRhdGEiOnsidGFibGV0Ijp7fSwibW9iaWxlIjp7fX19&#8243; mobile_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; tablet_bg_img_hidden=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; woodmart_gradient_switch=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_box_shadow=&#8221;no&#8221; wd_z_index=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_disable_overflow=&#8221;0&#8243;][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;7\/12&#8243; woodmart_css_id=&#8221;6687fa49edbb9&#8243; parallax_scroll=&#8221;no&#8221; woodmart_sticky_column=&#8221;false&#8221; wd_collapsible_content_switcher=&#8221;no&#8221;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2362,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,4,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2359","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-post","category-basics-of-gardening","category-spring"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2359"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2359\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2405,"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2359\/revisions\/2405"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2362"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}