With warmer weather comes terrific opportunities for gardening in Northeastern Oklahoma. Our real estate agents know that having enough space for a garden is one of the most important motivations that drives so many of our buyers. Now is the season to make the most of your property!

Many Miami homes for sale have yards that are just perfect for all your landscaping dreams. But that raises the question: How can you be sure you are getting off to the best possible start for your summer garden? No matter if you're growing flowers, herbs, or produce, there are a few basic steps to follow.

Even if it is still too cool to plant seeds outdoors, you can always start your summer garden inside. The earlier you start, the better your growing season will be. Of course, this adds a few steps you need to be ready for as the weather heats up. Let's look at the best way to prepare your garden for summer:

• Get Your Seeds Started Indoors
  Summer vegetable garden seeds flourish best when they are started ahead of time indoors. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant are among the veggies that start off strong indoors during the winter. You don't need a greenhouse – just a simple tray system. Add grow lights if you don't have any sunny spots.
  
  
• Carefully Move Seedlings Outside
  Double-check that the outside temperature is sufficient to support your seedlings. If it is still too cool, you have options. Certain approaches will not only help you counteract the cold but protect against unexpected late freezes. Hot frames, low tunnels, and floating row covers can all work well.
  
  
• Set Up Hot Beds for Your Seedlings
  A hot bed is a construction that captures natural heat from the sun to keep seedlings warm early in the growing season. If you already have a cold frame, you can turn it into a hotbed using manure. What if there's not enough natural heat to accommodate your seedlings? Add heating cables for ease of use.
  
  
• Build a Low Tunnel
  Low tunnels are temporary structures that function as a sort of "mini-greenhouse" over your crops. They are usually about four feet tall and anywhere from three to six feet wide. You can make a framework of hoops from nine-gauge wire or from metal or plastic piping, then cover it with a breathable material.
  
  
• Protect Against Frost with Floating Row Covers
  "Floating row covers" don't actually float but can be moved as necessary. This is the easiest option since these products can be purchased directly from a local garden store. The higher the marked "AG" rating, the better the frost protection. Keep the tops open during the day for ventilation.
  
  
• Don't Forget to Water Your New Seedlings
  Once your seedlings are safely ensconced in an appropriate shelter, it's time to water them on a daily basis. Double-check to make sure each individual crop is getting the right amount of water. Each week, perform a measured feeding of an appropriate organic fertilizer mixture or plant food such as kelp.

Contact us to find out more about Northeast Oklahoma real estate.