This time of year, we're all champing at the bit for spring weather. But spring is still a little ways off in our part of the world. We can expect more chilly temps throughout April, which just so happens to be National Garden Month. Despite the lingering chill, this is the month we celebrate gardens and nature nationwide and in Klamath Falls specifically.

Whether you're all fired up to plant up your new property, or you're hoping for a better price when listing your home among Klamath Falls homes for sale, you can take advantage of April to get a garden started. Our real estate agents have some terrific tips for local gardening, and we're ready to share.

Gardening in Klamath Falls

While parts of Oregon are notably temperate, not so much in Klamath Falls, located in U.S. Hardiness Zone 6b. That means it's cold enough here that cold-hardy cole crops—broccoli, kale, cabbage, and the like—can't be directly seeded in the ground until the end of April. And it also means the first frost-free days are likely to be in June. However, you can celebrate National Garden Month with the kids by starting your vegetables and flowers indoors so they'll be ready for planting in the garden. 

Getting Started

In Klamath Falls, you can use chilly April to lay the groundwork for your garden. While your plants are growing safely indoors, you might want to create a raised bed. Plants, especially vegetables, do better in raised beds where you've improved the soil and where you can manage weeding and other maintenance. Use the same instructions if you're planting flower beds. 

• Pick a sunny spot for your garden. Your plants will not grow without sunlight. If you can also manage a spot with minimal wind, your plants will appreciate it. Locate your raised bed close to a water source.
  
  
• Depending on how much room you have on your property, you can have as many raised beds as you can manage. But make them small at 4-by-6 feet by 10-1/2-inches with untreated two-by-fours. Or, you can purchase frames for raised beds from the garden store or online. Leave enough room between raised beds so you can walk and work in them. Note: Untreated wood won't last as long as treated wood, but the chemicals used to treat the wood can cause health concerns for humans, pets, and wildlife.
  
  
• Fill the frame with good soil. Mix in compost. You might want to add a mesh cover to keep out rabbits, birds, and other visitors. A garden trellis can be added for tall plants and vines.
  
  
• Once you've planted, mulch your raised gardens, but leave at least an inch of growing space around the plant.
  
  
• Even in June, frost can happen, so watch the weather and be prepared to cover up your plants if necessary with some type of garden protector.

Celebrating National Garden Month

Go beyond planting to celebrate National Garden Month. Try these suggestions:

• Take the kids and try the Evergreen Forest, established in April 2019 and located between Henley Elementary and the High School parking lot along the fire lane.
  
  
• Place some decorative or comfortable features near your garden so you can do more than work there. Set out a chair, a birdbath, and feeder and enjoy the show. 

For more on starting a simple garden, or tips on improving your property in general, contact us today.