Minnesota Gardening Tips

Home » Blog » Minnesota Gardening Tips
Smiling senior man wearing gardening apron in beautiful garden
The Shores of Lake Phalen

Whether you are craving the beauty of lush blooms and vibrant green leaves or have your heart set on harvesting a feast of fresh, tasty veggies, maintaining a successful garden takes more than a green thumb. You’ll also need time, effort, and expertise. Using these Minnesota gardening tips can help you make the right moves so that you get the satisfying results that you want.

Ready, Set, Grow: Minnesota Gardening Tips

Gardening is a process. With so many options to weigh and choices to make, it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you can break these Minnesota gardening tips down to make them easier to master. Start by learning what to do before you plant. Then, discover how to make the most of your time in the garden. Finally, explore why evaluating your success is as important as celebrating it if you want your garden to thrive.

Prepare Before You Plant

Different plants have different needs. If you want a flourishing garden, you will need to choose plants that are a good fit for your garden’s characteristics. That takes some research and planning. Mpls St. Paul Magazine offers some advice to get you started:

  • Zone in. Learn what zone you’re in. In Minnesota, it will likely be zone 3 or zone 4. Armed with that information, you’ll be able to access data about the timing and length of the growing season in your area and which plants do best there.
  • Appraise the rays. Some plants love to bask in the sun. Others prefer a bit of shade. Determine how much sun your yard sees during the day. Assess which spaces get full sun, partial sun, and shade. Consider this information when deciding where to place your garden and which plants to grow there.
  • Prep your soil. Strong roots result in healthy plants. That’s why your soil is so important. Prepping your soil by mixing in compost and other nutrients is a time-tested way to enrich and loosen the soil. It will give roots room to thrive and set the stage for a healthy, beautiful garden.
  • Size it right. Some plants are happiest when they’re cheek-to-cheek with their neighbors. Others need more space. Before planting, learn which plants play nicely together and how much room various types of vegetation need to flourish so that you can map out your best garden.

Get Growing

Planning a garden is an important first step, but it’s just the beginning. When it’s warm enough and your space is prepared, it’s time to put your plan into action and start planting. However, the work doesn’t stop when the seeds or plants are in the ground. Gardeners should be ready to do plenty of outside work over the course of the growing season to maintain their plots. In addition to digging in with regular bouts of weeding, watering, and checking that your plants are getting the necessary nutrients, you will also need to take steps to protect them from pests of all shapes and sizes. This might involve companion planting, fencing, pesticides, or low-tech methods like scarecrows. You’ll also want to harvest as frequently as possible.

Review, Revise, and Reap the Rewards

How does your garden grow? Mixed results are normal. Some things will thrive while others lag behind or never really bloom. Reaping the rewards of your hard work is definitely gratifying, but many gardeners also find a lot of satisfaction in reviewing what’s working (and what’s struggling) so that they can revise their efforts to improve their results. Year by year, your thumb will grow a little greener.

If you’re looking to further your gardening education, the University of Minnesota Extension offers a variety of resources including science-based solutions, practical educational opportunities, and a chance to seek help for stubborn or unusual problems.

_____

Whether you’re an avid gardener or a hobbyist, there’s no doubt that gardens and green spaces offer real benefits. At the Shores of Lake Phalen, we’re delighted to surround residents with gorgeous grounds, walking trails, and other amenities.

Are you looking for a community that provides a positive, healthy atmosphere where you can live out your golden years? The Shores of Lake Phalen is an assisted living community in a quiet, peaceful environment in Maplewood, Minnesota. Surrounded by a gorgeous wooded setting between two lakes, our residence offers the accessibility of apartment-style housing with the atmosphere and elegance of a resort. We offer numerous health and safety amenities, fun events and activities, a friendly and accommodating staff, and so much more. Schedule a tourof the community to explore our spacious apartments, elegant dining room, and more. We look forward to hearing from you!