Spring is coming, and your garden is waking up! If you want a thriving, beautiful garden this season, a little prep work now will make all the difference. Let’s get your hands dirty and set up for a successful spring planting!
Clean up and clear out
Winter might have left behind some mess – dead leaves, broken branches, and maybe even some weeds that never got the memo to die off. Start by clearing debris and pulling out weeds before they get a head start on your garden. Prune any dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs to promote healthy new growth.
Refresh your soil
Your soil has been sitting all winter, and it needs a little love. Loosen it up with a rake or garden fork and mix in compost or organic matter to give your plants the nutrients they’ll need. If you haven’t tested your soil in a while, now’s a great time—adjust pH levels and add amendments if needed.
Plan your planting layout
Before you start digging, take a moment to plan. What do you want to grow? Where will each plant go? Consider companion planting to help with pest control and maximize space. Rotate crops if you’re growing veggies to prevent soil depletion and disease buildup.
Start seeds indoors
Some plants—like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs—need a head start before they’re ready for the garden. If your last frost date is still a few weeks away, start seeds indoors under grow lights or in a sunny window. By the time the weather warms up, they’ll be strong and ready to go outside.
Give your tools a tune-up
Rusty, dull tools won’t do you any favors. Sharpen your pruners, oil your shears, and make sure your gloves aren’t falling apart. Clean and disinfect any tools that were used on diseased plants last season to prevent spreading problems to your new plants.
Add mulch and prep beds
Mulch isn’t just for looks—it helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Apply a fresh layer around trees, shrubs, and garden beds, but don’t pile it up against plant stems, as this can cause rot.
Get ready to plant!
Once your soil is prepped, your tools are ready, and your garden plan is in place, you’re all set for spring planting. As soon as the last frost passes, you can start putting your plants in the ground and watch your garden come to life!
