Plan Now, Plant Later: 4 Tips For Planning Your Springtime Garden

Stuck indoors and looking for ways to banish cabin fever? Why not start planning your springtime garden? It's a great way to bring a little sunshine into your life during the lingering dark days of winter. Here are a few of our favorite tips for making sure your 2015 garden is a success!

1. Start a Journal: Now is an excellent time to review what you planted last year to determine which varieties to revisit and which ones didn't work out as planned. This is also a wonderful place to collect articles and other ideas for things to try in this year's garden. You may wish to have a paper notebook to get the job done, or perhaps collecting your ideas and inspirations on Pinterest is more your speed! We've been pinning some of our favorite gardening ideas here on Pinterest.

2. Build Something: A lovely bench or birdhouse can make your garden even more enjoyable, and why not use the winter months to build something with your own two hands? If you don't feel particularly handy, there are plenty of interesting ways you can upcycle or repurpose everyday objects to serve as planters or other outdoor decor. We have plenty of DIY ideas for every speed here on our Garden-themed pinterest board.

3. Get Technical: Why not try out an app to help you plan & keep track of your garden? There are several apps available for smart phones and tablets, from garden planners to resources to help your identify plants and diseases. If you're overwhelmed with the number of apps available, click here to see a top 10 list from the Gardenista blog!

4. Stock Up: Make sure you have all of the seeds on your must-plant list so that you aren't unpleasantly surprised later down the road. Now is also a great time to take an inventory of all of your gardening implements to make sure you have what you need and that everything is in good working order. Last but not least, don't forget to stock up on LaviShea lotion bars! Our non-greasy moisture is perfect for keeping your hard-working hands moisturized and supple; we recommend our all-natural Citronella bar to keep pests away while you work in the garden! Our Lavender and Lemongrass scents are also excellent choices since they are made with essential oils which do double-duty: they are also mosquito repellent!