Spring is a wonderful time of the year for gardening enthusiasts. It’s a time when the weather starts to warm up, the days get longer, and the garden comes back to life. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful and productive garden in the spring. Gardening has always been a huge love of mine, and I am excited to see the warmer weather starting to show up! In this article, we will discuss some tips for spring gardening.

Clean Up Your Garden

Before you start planting, it’s essential to clean up your garden. Remove any debris, dead leaves, or plant material that has accumulated over the winter. This will help to prevent diseases and pests from developing in your garden. This is a great time to gather the kids and put them to work.

Prepare Your Soil

Spring is the perfect time to prepare your soil for planting. Use a garden fork to loosen the soil and add compost or organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility. A soil test can also help you determine the soil’s pH levels and nutrient deficiencies, allowing you to add the right amendments for optimal plant growth.

Plan Your Garden

Planning your garden is an essential step in spring gardening. Determine which plants you want to grow and where to plant them based on their sun and water requirements. Consider companion planting and crop rotation to improve soil health and prevent pests and diseases.

Start Your Seeds Indoors

Starting your seeds indoors is a great way to get a head start on the growing season. Use seed trays or pots filled with seed-starting mix and place them near a window or under grow lights to provide adequate light and warmth. Transplant seedlings into your garden when they are strong enough and the weather is favorable.

Plant Cool-Season Crops

Spring is the ideal time to plant cool-season crops such as lettuce, spinach, kale, peas, and broccoli. These crops thrive in cooler temperatures and can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked. They also make excellent companion plants for warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers.

Mulch Your Garden

Mulching your garden is a great way to conserve water, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. Use organic mulch like straw, leaves, or grass clippings, and spread it around your plants in a 2-3 inch layer.

In conclusion, spring gardening is a fun and rewarding activity that requires a little planning and preparation. By cleaning up your garden, preparing your soil, planning your garden, starting your seeds indoors, planting cool-season crops, and mulching your garden, you can create a beautiful and productive garden in the spring. Enjoy the warm weather, the sunshine, and the beautiful flowers and vegetables that your garden will produce.

The state of Washington is home to a ton of different pests that can be problematic for homeowners in general.  You will encounter everything from rodents to termites and all little nasty creepy crawly things in between.  In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the pests found in the state and what homeowners can do to prevent and control them.

I know the one critter or pest that nobody wants to think about is bedbugs and/or termites.  In my humble opinion, those are the two most damaging pests.

TERMITES

Termites can cause significant damage, and feed on wood. They can weaken or destroy wooden beams, joists, and other structural components. These pests can be difficult to detect until significant damage has already been done, making early prevention and detection crucial.  We had a problem with termites and sadly had damage before we knew how many colonies we had. 

BED BUGS

Bed bugs are a growing problem in Tacoma and other cities across the state. These small insects feed on the blood of humans and animals, and can be found in mattresses, bedding, furniture, and other areas where people sleep or rest. Bed bugs can be difficult to detect and eradicate, and can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

ANTS

Ants are another common pest in Tacoma and across the state. They are attracted to food and water sources and can quickly colonize a home if left unchecked. Natural prevention for Homeowners can be simply keeping food stored in airtight containers. Carpenter ants are another huge pest problem and can cause damage to wooden structures.

MOSQUITOES

Mosquitoes are a significant pest problem in Washington state, particularly during the summer months. These pests can carry diseases such as West Nile virus, and can be a significant nuisance for people spending time outdoors.

SPIDERS

Spiders are also common in Tacoma and other areas throughout Washington.  Most spiders are harmless, however some species can be venomous and potentially dangerous to humans. The black widow spider and the brown recluse spider are the most dangerous that are found in the area.  If you suspect you have a problem with black widow spiders or the  brown recluse spider, it’s important to contact a pest control professional such as Bulwark Exterminating for treatment.

ASIAN GIANT HORNET

Invasive species, such as the Asian giant hornet and the spotted lanternfly, are also a growing concern in Washington state. These pests can cause significant damage to crops and natural ecosystems, and can be difficult to control once they become established.

There are tons of natural ways to keep these pests and others not listed under control.   Tacoma pest control is easy to manage with the right approach. 

In conclusion, pests are a common problem in Tacoma and other areas in Washington. To prevent and control these pests, it’s important to keep food stored in airtight containers, eliminate sources of moisture and shelter, and use effective control methods, such as baits, traps, and sprays. If an infestation has already taken hold, homeowners should contact a pest control professional for treatment.