Every season has its challenges and advantages when it comes to growing vegetables – especially in New England.
Here in Maine we’ve just come through another winter and our regular blog readers may recall our recent recommendations for winter gardens and how to winterize your garden.
Now that spring has sprung, let’s dive into some guidelines for growing a spring garden in Maine – specifically a vegetable garden.
Creating a Maine Spring Vegetable Garden: Preparing for Your Project
Mainers know the wear and tear our weather plays on our landscape. That’s why we should prepare according to the time of the season. Like any weather-related matter, precision is difficult if not impossible. However, getting your landscape ready at the right time will make life easier.
- Survey Your Landscape for Damage:
The first thing you should do is survey your land. Do you see damage from the weather? Signs of damage from snow removal equipment? Are there plants growing where you don’t want them to grow? - Look for Signs of Wildlife:
While wildlife can pose a danger to your garden, some wildlife can help deal with pests such as insects. There are many humane ways for dealing with wildlife to preserve their ecosystem and protect your garden. - Clear Out Your Beds:
You’ll want to start by checking when the last date of frost is. This is an inexact science but once you’ve got the average date, begin clearing out your beds. - Add Compost:
It’s time to feed your soil with compost. Putting compost in before you plant anything will make life easier. Why? Your plants aren’t in the way. Talk to one of our experts if you have any questions about compost or other ways to prepare your Maine spring garden.
One resource you should check out is the Almanac’s Gardening “To Do” Tips Checklist. This online resource will give you important steps to take based on your location and the time of year. For example, typing in the zip code for Lisbon, ME (04250) gives you recommendations such as removing leaves and debris from your lawn, when to start certain seeds, and when to begin growing certain vegetables, which we’ll dive into in the next section.
Different Phases of Spring/Different Vegetables to Grow
Just as there are different growing seasons, there are also different phases in the seasons for growing. In spring, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with what to grow during early spring and mid-spring.
Early spring typically involves any time you can work the ground after a long Maine winter. When the ground is no longer hard, you can plant broccoli and cabbage. In terms of planting seeds, you have a wider choice including endive, lettuce, onion sets, peas, radishes, spinach, and turnips.
According to The University of Maine, “mid-spring” gardening calls for you to “Plant two weeks before the average last frost date.” Initially, you can plant cauliflower. As for seeds, you can plant beets, carrots, onion sets, parsnips, and Swiss chards.
Give yourself one week after your initial planting and then plant beans, corn, and early potatoes.
Well Worth the Challenge
Creating a Maine spring vegetable garden may seem challenging but can also be extremely rewarding.
Not only can Davis Landscape help with your spring garden needs, but we can also help you prepare for revitalizing your landscape. With both residential and commercial clients, get in touch and let us know what you’re looking for – we’re here to help (and have been since 1976!).
Davis Landscape is a family owned business. Take a look at the services we provide and feel free to contact us or more information.