🌸 Spring: A Time for Renewal
As the world awakens from winter, spring is the season of preparation and new beginnings. It's time to clear out the old and set the stage for a vibrant growing season.
- Garden Prep: Clear away winter debris, dead leaves, and weeds. Amend your garden beds with compost to enrich the soil. This is also the perfect time to start seeds indoors for warm-weather plants like tomatoes and peppers.
- Home Maintenance: Clean your gutters, wash windows inside and out, and check for any damage to your home's exterior that may have occurred over winter.
- DIY Project: Build and install a rain barrel. Collecting spring rain is an eco-friendly way to water your garden throughout the drier summer months.
☀️ Summer: Growth and Enjoyment
Summer is when your garden comes to life. The focus shifts from preparation to maintenance and enjoying the fruits of your labor. It's also the best time for outdoor living.
- Garden Care: Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells. Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Stay vigilant for pests and address any issues early.
- Home Refresh: Lighten up your decor. Swap heavy throws for lightweight linen or cotton. Bring in fresh flowers from your garden to brighten up indoor spaces.
- DIY Project: Build a simple outdoor bench or a set of Adirondack chairs. Create a comfortable spot to sit back and enjoy your beautiful garden on long summer evenings.
🍂 Autumn: Harvest and Preparation
Autumn is a season of transition. It's time to harvest the last of your summer crops, prepare your garden for the cold months ahead, and bring warmth into your home.
- Garden Wind-Down: Harvest root vegetables and winter squash. Plant garlic and spring-blooming bulbs. Rake leaves and add them to your compost pile to create nutrient-rich "black gold" for next year.
- Home Coziness: Bring out warmer textiles like wool blankets and velvet pillows. Check your heating system and seal any drafts around windows and doors.
- DIY Project: Create a decorative autumn wreath for your front door using foraged materials like branches, pinecones, and dried leaves.
❄️ Winter: Rest and Planning
Winter is a time for rest, reflection, and planning. While the garden sleeps, you can focus on indoor projects and dream up ideas for the year ahead.
- Garden Planning: Browse seed catalogs and sketch out your garden plan for next spring. Clean and sharpen your garden tools so they're ready to go when the ground thaws.
- Indoor Greenery: Care for your houseplants. With less natural light, be careful not to overwater. This is a great time to tackle an indoor plant-related DIY, like building a tiered plant stand.
- DIY Project: Organize your workshop or craft space. Build simple storage solutions like shelves or a pegboard system to get ready for a productive year of making.