Start Planning Now for a Thriving Spring Garden

(Family Features) While winter weather puts outdoor gardening on pause in most parts of the country, the colder months offer a perfect opportunity to begin preparing for a lush garden come springtime.

With a little creativity, and some extra time spent creating a plan, you can set yourself on a path toward success before the growing season even begins.

Assess Your Space and Research Ideas
Evaluate your current garden, taking note of what worked well last season and where improvements can be made. Use this downtime to sketch an updated layout, research companion plants and decide which fruits, vegetables or flowers you want to grow next based on what did (or didn’t) work last spring.

Build an Updated Blueprint
Winter is the ideal time to upgrade your garden design and make tweaks for efficiency. Use the offseason to consider crop rotation patterns for optimal soil health as well as ways to maximize your space such as raised beds, trellises or containers. You can also make a list of materials needed for any new features you may be adding, such as an irrigation system, and map out their placement so you’re ready to build as soon as the weather allows.

Nourish the Soil
Even if the ground is frozen, you can prepare your garden beds by adding compost, leaves or organic matter in late winter, ensuring nutrients are available when spring arrives. Also remember to test your soil’s pH level now, which can help guide your fertilization plan.

Start Seeds Indoors
If you’re eager to get your hands dirty, consider starting your seeds indoors. Early seed starting gives plants a head start, allowing you to transplant stronger seedlings outdoors when temperatures warm.

Get Organized
Use the slower pace of winter to clean and sharpen your garden tools, sort through leftover seeds and make a supply checklist so you’re ready to dig in when warmer days arrive.

Find more advice to get your garden ready to burst to life in spring at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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eLivingtoday.com

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Last Updated on January 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Urban Gardening 101

(Family Features) Urban living and lush gardens aren’t as mutually exclusive as one might assume. In fact, it’s possible to cultivate thriving gardens in even the smallest spaces.

The first step toward creating a successful small garden space is planning. Sketching out your garden area with a clear understanding of the actual dimensions is important. This allows you to allocate adequate growing space for the vegetation you choose and prevent overcrowding.

Part of your planning should also take climate into account. If the sun reaches your garden area, knowing what time the sun typically hits matters. Some plants are poorly equipped to handle the strength of direct afternoon rays.

Other matters to consider are the soil quality and whether it is adequate to nourish vegetation. If not, you may need to excavate and refill your planting areas with nutrient-rich gardening soil. Access to water is also a concern; if you’ll be forced to water by can, avoid choosing plants that would better benefit from a thorough hose soaking.

As you begin planning the actual contents of your garden, don’t hesitate to blend edibles with beauty. Many herbs offer attractive textures and colors that can add variety to a colorful selection of flowering plants. Edible plants such as strawberries offer color from blooms (and later brightly hued fruit), as well as trailing greenery that looks pretty along the edges of potted containers.

If your goal is color, give consideration to the blooming season for your selected plants. Unless you plan to enjoy your garden for just a short season, choose a variety of plants and flowers that bloom throughout your region’s entire growing season.

Especially in the smallest garden spaces, it’s smart to make the most of vertical space. Use a trellis or other structure to encourage vining vegetation to grow upward rather than outward. Hanging baskets or buckets are ideal for inverted growth of plants such as tomatoes or peppers, and shelving or tiered plant stands are handy for creating more plant real estate in smaller garden spaces.

Beautiful gardens need not be limited to those with expansive lawns in rural communities. Though smaller in scale, urban gardens can deliver equal beauty and a surprising volume of edible bounty with proper preparation and design. Find more tips at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:
Family Features

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Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Daily News Staff

The “News For Naturists” section of STM Daily News offers a welcoming and respectful space for those who embrace naturism, body-positivity and clothing-optional recreation. This curated hub features articles on the history of social nudity, naturist travel and resort experiences, and the broader wellness and community benefits of living naturally and comfortably in our own skin. For readers interested in deeper engagement, you’ll find useful links to major organizations and venues such as the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) (advocating nudist rights and affiliated clubs)  , The Naturist Society (TNS) (promoting body acceptance and naturist education)  , and respected resorts like Laguna del Sol in California  and Mira Vista Resort in Arizona  , where the naturist lifestyle is embraced in a family-friendly, non-sexualized environment. Whether you’re new to the naturist community or a longtime member, our page connects you to news, resources and destinations that embody the freedom, respect and ease of clothes-free recreation.

List of 10 reputable organizations, clubs and resorts that support naturism or clothing-optional recreation 

1. American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) – https://www.aanr.com/

Founded in 1931, AANR is one of the largest and longest-established naturist organizations in North America, representing hundreds of affiliated clubs, resorts and businesses.  

**2. The Naturist Society (TNS) – https://www.naturist.com/

An American naturist membership organization that promotes body-acceptance and nude recreation as a positive lifestyle choice.  

**3. Naturist Action Committee, Inc. (NAC) – https://naturistaction.org/

A non-profit that focuses on political advocacy and the receptive use of public lands for nude recreation.  

**4. International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI) – https://inf-fni.org/

The global federation of naturist organizations; a good resource for international clubs, events and federations.  

**5. Laguna del Sol Resort – https://www.lagunadelsol.com/

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A premier clothing-optional resort in California (250 acres near Sacramento), welcoming singles, couples and families.  

**6. Cypress Cove Nudist Resort – https://www.cypresscoveresort.com/

Family-friendly resort in Florida, offering accommodations, RV/camp options, and a large lake setting.  

**7. Glen Eden Sun Club – https://www.gleneden.com/

Southern California resort & RV park (154 acres) offering a naturist environment midway between Los Angeles and San Diego.  

**8. Rock Lodge Club – https://www.rocklodge.com/

One of the oldest family-friendly nudist clubs in the U.S., located in the New Jersey Highlands.  

**9. Star Ranch Nudist Club – https://starranch.net/

A friendly Texas-based family nudist club offering outdoor pool, cabins, camping and social activities.  

**10. Cedar Trails Nudist Retreat – https://www.cedartrailsnudistretreat.com/

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A 60-acre naturist retreat in southeast Ohio with hiking trails, heated swimming pool, cabins, camping and more.  

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