Spring is on the way, so now is the time to get your garden ready for the blooming season!

Here are some tips for preparing your flower bed or garden in Charleston:

• Remove dead, diseased or damaged branches and fallen leaves to discourage pests and diseases.
• Prune fruit trees now, while they are still dormant or just regenerating.  Shape and remove twiggy interior growth.
• Install edgings around lawn areas and flower beds.  They will stay in place and keep out encroaching growth better if you set them into a prepared trench.
• Boost growth in early vegetables by applying some plant food to their general area.  Crops that really respond to this treatment are chard, lettuce, broccoli and cabbage.
• Fill a window box.  First, remove last year's remains.  Then scoop in fresh plant mix.  Arrange little pots of plants on the surface to make a pleasing arrangement.  Once you are satisfied, pop them out of their pots and plant them.

Even though you may be eager to get started and get into the mindset of spring, try to avoid doing everything at once in your enthusiasm.  It will be better for you, and for your garden, when you prioritize.  Follow nature and your instincts for a beautiful and lush garden this year!