It’s almost time to get your gardens going, and here’s what does well for gardens in Washington State.
Washington State has a diverse climate, with several microclimates, depending on the region. Therefore, the best things to grow in a garden in Washington State depend on your location, soil type, and available sunlight.
However, here are some vegetables and fruits that generally do well in Washington State:
Tomatoes: Tomatoes do well in warm and sunny locations. They can be grown in the ground or in containers
Peppers: Like tomatoes, peppers also love warmth and sunshine. They are easy to grow and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and heat levels.
Blueberries: Blueberries are a native fruit to Washington State and grow well in acidic soil. They are low-maintenance and can produce fruit for up to 20 years.
Apples: Washington is famous for its apples. Apples grow well in most parts of the state, especially in the eastern region. They require full sun and well-draining soil.
Potatoes: Potatoes thrive in cooler temperatures and can grow well in Washington State. They are easy to grow and require little maintenance.
Salad Greens: Salad greens, such as lettuce, spinach, and kale, grow well in Washington State’s mild climate. They are easy to grow and can be harvested multiple times.
Squash: Squash is a low-maintenance vegetable that does well in Washington State’s warm and sunny climate. They require full sun and well-draining soil.
Herbs: Herbs, such as basil, thyme, and oregano, are easy to grow in Washington State. They can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Remember to consider your location and soil type when deciding what to grow in your garden. It’s also essential to choose plants that are suited to your gardening experience level and the amount of time you have to maintain them.
Once you have decided what you want to plant, it is time to get your garden space prepped and ready for planting.
Here are is a checklist for your spring garden preparation:
Get your shed & tools in order. Make sure all your tools are sharpened and are in good shape. Make a list of any tools that need to be replaced, as well as any gardening material you will need like fertilizer, soil, plant supports, etc.
Clear out weeds, mulch & debris from your garden. Remove anything in the way until you are back to the bare soil. Properly dispose of weeds in a separate location as to not run the risk of them germinating and spreading into your freshly planted new crop.
Prune any trees and shrubs that need it. Replenish the soil with fresh fertilizer to insure that the plants have the nutrients they need to recover from the pruning.
Get the soil prepared. Once the frost has lifted and the soil is workable, start preparing your flower beds. Loosen up the top 12-14 inches of soil by tilling or turning it with a tiller or sharp spade. Next, add your fertilizer and compost. You can run a pH test on your soil to determine what type of materials you might want to add.
Set up new planters and flower beds. Map out where you are going to put all of your new plants to ensure that everything will have a place to thrive.
Finally, apply a thick layer of mulch wherever you can. Mulch is an effective way of keeping weeds at bay, and help prevent them from germinating.
