Spring Prep Guide for Your Summer Garden
Spring in Missouri is the perfect time to plan and prepare your garden for a bountiful summer. With the right timing and a little thoughtful prep, you can set your garden up for success—whether you're growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers.
Here are some practical tips to help you get started:
1. Know Your Zone and Planting Timeline
Missouri falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 7a, and your last frost date will vary depending on your region. Typically, late April to early May marks the end of frost risk. Avoid the temptation to plant heat-loving crops too early—waiting just a week or two can make all the difference.
In central Missouri, early May is generally a safe time to plant summer vegetables and annuals.
2. Prepare the Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. Missouri’s clay-heavy soil can benefit from being amended with compost, aged manure, or a good organic garden mix. Loosen the soil to improve drainage and encourage root growth.
This is also a great time to apply mulch, which will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature as the weather warms.
3. Start Seeds or Shop for Transplants
If you’ve already started seeds indoors, now’s the time to start hardening them off. This process involves gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. If you’re buying plants, choose healthy transplants with strong stems and no signs of disease.
You can also direct sow quick-growing plants like cucumbers, beans, squash, and sunflowers once the soil has warmed.
4. Choose Heat-Tolerant and Native Plants
Missouri summers can be hot and humid, so it’s wise to choose plants that can handle the climate. Native perennials like coneflowers, bee balm, black-eyed Susans, and yarrow are excellent choices. They’re beautiful, low-maintenance, and attract beneficial pollinators.
When it comes to vegetables, look for varieties known to tolerate heat and humidity. Okra, sweet potatoes, and cherry tomatoes often perform well in Missouri gardens.
5. Plan Your Watering System
Once spring rains taper off, consistent watering becomes essential. Installing drip irrigation or soaker hoses now can save time and conserve water throughout the summer. These systems deliver moisture directly to the roots, reducing evaporation and disease risk.
Water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root systems, and try to water in the morning to reduce mildew and fungal issues.
6. Add Companion and Edible Plants
Companion planting is a great way to naturally boost garden health and productivity. Basil planted near tomatoes can enhance growth and flavor, while marigolds can help deter pests. Consider adding herbs like thyme, oregano, and dill, which thrive in the heat and add culinary value.
Edible flowers like nasturtiums and calendula add beauty and can also be used in salads or teas.
7. Keep a Garden Journal
Tracking what you plant, when you plant it, and how it performs can provide helpful insights for future seasons. Jot down notes on weather patterns, pest issues, and plant growth to build a more successful garden year after year.
Even a simple notebook can become a valuable resource as your gardening knowledge grows.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your garden in spring sets the stage for a thriving summer full of color, flavor, and satisfaction. With Missouri’s diverse growing conditions, planning and adaptability are key. Whether you're starting small or expanding a backyard haven, the work you do now will bring joy all season long.
Let the growing begin! For more information, contact Results Realty and Auction at (573) 341-8200.