Your Summer Garden Checklist

At Better Built Barns in Washington, we love summer and all that comes with it, from the backyard barbecues to the family vacations. Your favorite part of summer might be working in your garden, and while you may not have planted much yet, you’re getting close to having everything in the ground for the growing season.

As summer approaches, it’s important to have a checklist of everything you need for your garden. If you need somewhere to store all of the new things that you buy, then a custom shed can be the way to go. Our team can help you choose the right shed, and we can have it built and in place in just one day!

New Garden Tools

You may have had the same garden tools for years, but if they were left outside over the winter, or their handles or grips are starting to come loose, then it might be time to buy some new ones. Here are a few garden tools you’ll likely need this year:

• Shovel – The right shovel can make a big difference when it comes time to move dirt. You’ll want a square shovel for scraping and moving, as well as a spade shovel for digging. You can also invest in a small spade shovel, often called a sharpshooter, for digging holes in the garden.
• Rake — A good rake is an indispensable item when it comes to gardening. Whether you’re spreading mulch or compost, a well-made rake can make a big difference. You’ll want to purchase a metal and a plastic rake so that you have both options for any gardening job.
• Trowel — When you’re planting things by hand, you’re going to be on your knees, putting each vegetable, fruit, or herb seed in the perfect place. A hand trowel is a must-have for the serious gardener, and can make life much easier when you’re transferring plants from pot to soil.

Soil and Mulch

Your garden may be in the same spot each year, and you’ve cultivated a great ecosystem where the soil is rich with nutrients. That being said, you may still need to add some new topsoil and mulch each year in order to replenish any nutrients that were lost during the last growing season.

• Topsoil — A new layer of topsoil can help introduce more nutrients into your garden. You can get soil mixes that contain compost and other materials that will help your plants grow strong this summer.
• Mulch — Mulch is very important for moisture retention, and as it breaks down, it helps the soil stay strong and healthy. You may also need mulch for any new bushes or trees you plant this year.
• Potting Soil — Before you can put plants into the ground, you may start them in pots inside your shed or greenhouse. Potting soil with important nutrients is essential to helping your beginner plants stay healthy.

We hope that this checklist has provided you with some ideas of what you’ll need for your summer gardening season. If you need somewhere to store your new rakes and shovels, as well as your bags of soil and mulch, then let Better Built Barns help you find the perfect custom shed.

We look forward to hearing from you!