Spring is the season of renewal and growth, and your garden is no exception. After the long winter months, your garden may need a little TLC to ensure it thrives in the warmer months ahead. With a little planning and some effort, you can prepare your garden for a beautiful and productive spring.
We recently discussed some great Winter Lawn Care Tips, so let’s explore what you should do in preparation for the coming season.
1. Clear the Garden Beds
The first step in preparing your garden for spring is to clear out any debris left over from the winter. This includes fallen leaves, dead plants, and any leftover mulch. Smaller debris that’s dry can be mulched with your lawn mower, but anything wet needs to be thrown out to avoid mold and algae.
Removing old growth helps prevent pests and diseases from lingering in your garden and ensures that new plants have space to grow. Now is a good time to take a look at your gutters and other small areas where additional debris could be tucked away and not immediately visible. Again, the idea is to avoid rot as well as yard pests that use those areas as a breeding ground.
If you have perennial plants, cut back any dead stems to allow fresh growth to emerge.
2. Inspect and Improve the Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden, so it’s important to check its condition before planting. Start by testing the soil’s pH to see if it’s too acidic or alkaline.
If you need to enrich your soil for fresh spring flowers, now is the time to do so. Again, late winter is prep time, so take a look at the ideal soil conditions for the flowers you want to plant.
A soil pH test may come in handy for knowing which products to choose. You can buy a soil test kit or send a sample to a local agricultural extension office for analysis. If the soil is lacking in nutrients, consider adding compost, well-rotted manure, or a balanced fertilizer to boost its health. Aerating the soil by gently loosening it with a fork or tiller can also improve drainage and root growth.
If you choose to add a fertilizer or some compost, be sure to mix it into the existing topsoil to about 2 inches deep. This can easily be done with a basic metal rake.
3. Prune Trees and Shrubs
Before new growth starts in spring, take the time to prune your trees and shrubs. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to promote healthy new growth.
For flowering plants, prune them after they’ve finished blooming to encourage more flowers in the coming season. Be mindful of the specific pruning needs of each plant, as some do best when pruned early, while others benefit from a late-season trim.
4. Plan Your Plantings
For those who enjoy growing from seeds, late winter is a great time to get organized and start planning your garden. If you’re new to gardening, it is well advised to do some research before you start digging, so you know the requirements.
Spring is the ideal time to plant a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Take some time to plan your garden layout for the upcoming season. Consider the sun and shade patterns in your yard, and choose plants that are suitable for your garden’s conditions.
If you want to add new plants, think about using a mix of perennials (which come back year after year) and annuals (which bloom for one season). Vegetable gardens also thrive in the spring, so make sure to plan out your planting schedule based on the last frost date in your region.
Some vegetables need more space than you might expect, while others will be more tolerant of various shade conditions. There are actually some plants that do really well as “soil neighbors” due to the mineral exchanges that occur in their root systems.
Figure out how much garden space you have to work with, and how you should arrange everything. Many veggies can start out inside and then be transplanted once they’ve sprouted, so late winter may be a good time to get a head start on a few of them.
Additionally, if you’re starting fresh, now is the time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide. There needs to be at least 6 weeks between application time and the planting of new seeds.
5. Prepare Your Tools
Having the right tools for the job is essential for an efficient gardening season. Check that your tools are in good working condition. Sharpen garden shears, hoes, and spades to make cutting and digging easier.
Clean off any rust and oil the moving parts of tools like lawnmowers and weed trimmers to ensure smooth operation. It’s also a good idea to stock up on essentials like seeds, gloves, and mulch so you’re ready when planting season arrives.
6. Control Weeds Early
Weeds can quickly take over your garden if you’re not proactive in managing them. Before your plants start growing, take steps to prevent weeds from taking root.
You can apply a pre-emergent weed control product to stop weed seeds from sprouting. Mulching around your plants will help suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight. Regularly pulling weeds by hand or using a hoe can also keep them in check as the season progresses.
Not sure when to use Pre-Emergent or Post-Emergent Herbicides? Click the link to read more.
7. Check Irrigation Systems
Spring weather can be unpredictable, but one thing is certain: your plants will need water. Get your irrigation system checked out, including hoses, sprinklers, and drip systems, to ensure they are working properly.
Look for any leaks or clogs and fix them before the hot weather arrives. If you don’t have an irrigation system, now is a good time to set one up or consider investing in a rain barrel to collect water for your garden.
8. Add Mulch to Garden Beds
After preparing the soil and planting your seeds, add a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Mulch also helps prevent weeds from sprouting and provides a neat, tidy appearance to your garden beds. Organic mulches like shredded bark, leaves, or straw break down over time, enriching the soil with nutrients.
9. Start Seeds Indoors (If Needed)
If you’re planning to grow plants from seeds, now is the time to start them indoors, especially for those that need a longer growing season.
Common plants like tomatoes, peppers, and basil often require an early start indoors before they can be transplanted outside after the last frost.
Use seed trays or pots with good drainage, and make sure your indoor space has enough light or supplement with grow lights.
Nevein (2022) you can sprout many types of vegetables, herbs, and annual flowers from seed 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. It’s also a good way to try out exciting varieties you might not find in a garden center.
10. Stay Ahead of Pests and Disease
Pests and diseases can quickly derail a thriving garden. One of the best ways to prevent problems is by maintaining good garden hygiene and using natural pest-control methods. Check your plants regularly for early signs of pests or disease. Insecticidal soap, neem oil, or homemade garlic sprays can help control many common garden pests. Companion planting is another strategy to deter pests naturally by placing certain plants near each other that repel harmful insects.
Final Thoughts
Prepare your garden for spring- the early bird gets the worm, or the plant in this case!
Take advantage of the slowly warming weather and give your garden some TLC in preparation for the coming season.
Need some help? Click here for a free service quote. Whether you’re growing flowers, vegetables, or herbs, the right preparation will set you up for a successful spring gardening season.
References:
Nevein, V. (2022, February 25). 5 essential gardening tasks for your early-spring-to-do list. Better Homes and Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/gardening/how-to-garden/5-things-you-need-to-know-right-now-for-spring-gardening-281474979616969/
