Get Ready for Spring!
- by Holly Ciancioso
- April 9, 2025
- True Garden Blog
Boost Your Harvest with Proper Pruning Techniques
If it’s not quite spring where you are yet, don’t worry—the hope of spring planting is just around the corner. And for those lucky enough to already be in full spring mode, here are some practical tips to help make your garden bountiful—whether you’re growing vertically or in a traditional dirt bed.
Don’t Plant Too Early
When early spring teases us with warm sunshine and chirping birds, it’s tempting to rush outside and start planting. But before you do, make sure you know your last frost date—that’s your best friend when it comes to timing your planting.
For Vertical Growers:
– Fill the reservoir with water and add 2 cups of food-grade citric acid. Let your grow pots soak for 1–2 hours.
– Use a soft-bristled brush to wipe off any build-up from your grow ports.
– After cleaning, add ½ gallon of bleach to the reservoir to kill any lingering pathogens that could affect plant health.
– Let the pots soak for 20 minutes in the bleach solution.
– Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue before planting.
💡 Pro tip: I use a kiddie pool to clean my tower—it works great!
For Dirt Beds:
– Clear weeds and dead leaves to give your plants a clean slate.
– Add compost to improve soil quality and boost resistance to pests and disease.
– Mulch generously to help retain moisture, prevent erosion, and block out weeds.
– Fertilize naturally: Worm castings are one of the best organic fertilizers. They’re full of healthy bacteria that enrich the soil and encourage strong plant growth.
🌱 At True Garden, we offer bags of loose Coco Coir, perfect for mulching.
🪱 We’re also thrilled to announce our partnership with Arizona Worm Farm to offer gardeners high-quality worm castings!
What Should You Plant?
Narrowing down your garden selection makes it easier to grow a harvest that’s both practical and nourishing for your family.
– Choose varieties that grow well in your local conditions. You can search by ZIP code using this helpful tool: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar
– Pick crops that your family actually enjoys eating.
– Try cool-weather crops like:
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Spinach
• Snap Peas
• Lettuce
• Kale
• Pac Choi
• Swiss Chard
• Arugula
• Celery
These varieties thrive in cooler temps and actually taste sweeter when the weather dips a little.
Final Thoughts
🚫 Avoid fruiting or flowering crops (like tomatoes or peppers) until daytime temps consistently stay above 65°F.
If you’re using dirt beds, make sure your soil temperature is warm enough to encourage germination. Again, check the Almanac for details based on your location.
So get outside, breathe in that fresh spring air, and start dreaming about the delicious harvests to come. Happy planting from all of us at True Garden!