With the first day of Spring — March 20 — approaching, now is the perfect time to learn some tips and tricks to ensure your garden is in full bloom this year. Once that’s all taken care of, you can take your pick of community events to celebrate the start of the season.
According to Ohio State University, one teaspoon of soil contains more microorganisms than people on Earth. Soil is filled with nutrients to grow healthy plants. Using organic materials or manure, like Dallas Zoo Poo, in garden beds does a little extra to promote soil and plant health.
Additionally, a study concluded that plants respond positively to sound. Playing music or talking to your plants could do the trick to promote growth.
Looking to attract butterflies? The Smithsonian Institute stated that Heirloom flowers, with their large, vivid-colored petals, draw the winged beauties.
For sweeter tomatoes, sprinkle a bit of baking soda into the soil to reduce their acidity, says The Kitchn.
Love flowers for the smell? The President of the Santa Barbara Orchid Show, George Hatfield, contended, “An oncidium hybrid called Sharry Baby smells like chocolate. Its ‘baking cookie’ aroma has made it a winner.”
According to Gardenista, Hydrangeas can change color. Add coffee grounds and eggshells for more acidic soil and they will turn blue.
Along with coffee grounds and eggshells, adding chopped banana peels to decompose in soil results in a higher nutritional value for plants, helping them to grow healthy. Place the scraps within the top few inches of soil for gardens already growing.
Add wind chimes and lights to the garden to deter deer. The University of Vermont says that white-tailed deer can jump eight feet into the air, making taller fences a must-have if there are any Bambis in the area trying to nibble on your plants.
According to Harvest By Hillwood, outdoor planting in Texas should typically be done after the last frost, usually in March. Okra, carrots, artichokes, squash, corn, peppers, and eggplants thrive in Texas’ hot and humid climate.
Once you have put down your shears and taken off your gloves, you can hop on over to one of the many metroplex events celebrating the first day of Spring on March 20.
A Spring Spritz Yoga Class is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. for individuals 21 and older. The class is $20 and is located at The Rustic at 3656 Howell Street in Dallas.
After the yoga class, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., a pop-up event will take place in the same spot, complete with an Aperol Spritz bar and live music. From 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Jade Nickol, whose sound is reminiscent of Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell, will be performing.
Multiple farmers markets will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at varying locations, including Dallas, Flower Mound, and Carrollton. The Dallas location will be The Shed, at 920 South Harwood Street. Flower Mound’s Farmers Market will be held in Parker Square at 1500 Cross Timbers Road, and the Carrollton market is in the Trinity Valley Shopping Center at 2722 North Josey Lane.
ZN Fashions Spring Exhibition will be shown at the DFW Airport Marriott, located at 8440 Freeport Parkway in Irving. From 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., spring vendors will set up shop to sell items such as jewelry and clothing. This event features free admission and parking.
The Greater Frisco Home and Garden Show is scheduled for the Ford Center at The Star, located at 9 Cowboys Way in Frisco. The event begins at 11:00 a.m. Visitors can pick up outdoor project ideas for home improvement by checking out outdoor living options, patios, fencing, decks, pools, and spas. Professionals in gardening, landscaping, and pest control will be on-site to offer their advice. It is free to attend.
Hula Hut is presenting a car, truck, and motorcycle show from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring hot rods and “Mexican food with a surfer twist,” the event will be held at 210 East Eldorado Parkway in Little Elm.
The Soul Food Festival will be from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at 816 Montgomery Street in Dallas. With more than thirty Texan vendors, a mixture of food to satisfy every taste bud will be served. Fare will include (but is not limited to) tacos, turkey legs, funnel cakes, barbecue, fish, fried chicken, greens, candied yams, oxtails, and pork chops. Admission is $5 at the gate.
Painting With A Twist’s location at 330 North 6th Street #F in Garland will be featuring a Spring-themed subject matter for the day’s celebration. An instructor will teach participants how to paint “April Showers & Flowers.” The class is from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., open to attendees ages 15 and up. Individuals 21 years and older can bring their own drinks. The class costs $39 for those who want to paint on canvas and $49 to paint on a wood plank.