One of the things I look forward to most each spring is getting back to my garden and yard. Living in a warm climate allows us to do many things outside, but there are some things to do in the spring. Here’s a list of things to do in my garden this spring to get it ready for summer and everything beyond.
My approach to gardening may look different than someone in a cold climate. But no matter where you live, there are certain gardening tasks you’ll benefit from doing before planting in warm weather. You may need to clean up the yard, replace garden equipment, and complete soil preparation.
Spring Gardening Plan
I have had a garden for many years and my family has grown a variety of vegetables. I am also an avid beekeeper and have recently been raising ducks and chickens. And herbs and flowers are scattered throughout the yard.
What I’ve grown up with has definitely changed over the years, but you’ll always find me growing something.
What are the first steps in gardening? plan.
You can find the USDA hardiness zones for your plants here. It tells you the last and first frost dates. If you live in a really warm climate like I do, you may have multiple growing seasons throughout the year. People who live in areas with true four seasons can generally garden from spring through fall. In really cold climates, summer only lasts a few months.
Whatever climate you live in, check your last frost date and work backwards from there.
garden planner
A garden journal or planner is really helpful. This could be an app on your phone, a computer program, or good old fashioned pencil and paper. Look through last year’s garden plans and notes. What worked and what didn’t? What would you like to change or add? Decide what to plant and where to plant it in your garden.
Making big plans can be fun, but keep in mind what really works in your area and what you can realistically do. There is no point in growing 20 tomato plants if you only have 3 garden beds! Research how much space each plant needs to ensure it has adequate space to grow. This is my favorite garden planning app.
This is a good way to plan your crop rotation to prevent soil depletion. I also plant companion plants while I am gardening to promote plant and soil health. Once you know what plants you are growing, mark them when to plant the seeds and when to transplant them outside.
seed start
Once you know where (and when) you want to plant, it’s time to plant the seeds. Some plants require completely warm weather to survive and should be planted in late spring or early summer, depending on your region. Other plants, such as peas, lettuce, spinach, and root vegetables, tolerate cool weather well.
Some plants, such as lettuce or carrots, can be planted directly into the soil. Others work best if started indoors and then transplanted. A detailed seed starting guide can be found here.
soil test
This step is not always necessary, but can be very helpful. A soil test can tell you which nutrients are deficient or missing so you can make corrections. Your local college extension office is usually a good resource for this.
A soil test looks at the proportions of sand, silt, clay and basic soil composition. It also displays pH and available nutrient levels. Certain plants grow best at certain soil pH levels, which can be the difference between a thriving garden and little or no growth.
Crop rotation, partner planting, and regenerative practices (such as not monocropping large areas) can help with this.
Add compost
Once you know what’s going on beneath the surface, spring is a great time to add compost. When I plant vegetables, herbs, and flowers, I like to get an extra boost of nutrients through compost. However, you can also help improve overall soil quality by applying compost in the spring.
In early spring, spread a layer of compost about 2 to 4 inches thick over the area. If your soil is rich in clay and is hard, break it up first. Next, work the compost into the soil. You can do this with a hoe, garden rake, or even with your hands if you have limited space. Learn how to start composting and how to make compost tea here.
Cut, Cut, Trim
If you haven’t yet trimmed your bushes, trees, and plants in the fall, now is the time. I love pruning bushes, trees and anything else I need. This will remove dead waste so the plant can focus on new growth.
Things you can prune in spring include:
- dead or damaged branches
- Flowering shrubs (tops only before new growth begins)
- overgrown shrubs and hedges
Trim last year’s dead growth from perennials. Clean and compost old leaves, twigs and dead plant material. Avoid pruning or trimming plants that bloom in spring, such as forsythia and lavender.
Organize and organize your garden shed and planter bench. Restock your supplies. Where are the watering cans, garden hoses and gardening tools? Once you start gardening, are you where you need to be? Clean, sharpen and oil tools as needed. Remove and replace as needed.
This is another area where it can be tempting to go out and buy everything. Ask yourself what you actually use and what type of garden you have. If you only have a few flower beds on your back porch, you don’t need a large soil tiller.
If you have a rain barrel or need one, you can install one in late spring. Clean your gutters and make sure your downspouts and any necessary attachments are working properly.
weeds and mulch
Many plants that people call weeds are actually beneficial and medicinal plants, like dandelions and plantains. But I also don’t want a bed full of dandelions taking up space where I planted other vegetables. Spring is the best time to get rid of weeds. Be sure to store plenty in your yard for pollinators!
I like to clear out my flower beds when the soil is moist and roots are easy to pull out. It is much easier to remove them in the early growth stages than later. They are also less likely to plant seeds and create more weeds.
You can later cover the seedbed with a thick layer of mulch to prevent weeds from growing. However, it may be easier to plant small seedlings first and then mulch around them.
Please wait a moment for it to be sorted out.
It’s best to wait until the weather gets warmer before raking leaves or doing any yard cleaning work. Pollinators and beneficial insects rely on protection from winter through spring. According to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation:
Meanwhile, last year’s leaf litter is still protecting both plants and invertebrates from late-season frosts. And butterfly pupae are still clinging to dry stems and branches, waiting for the right time to emerge as adults. – Cerces Society
The perfect time to start cleaning your yard and garden beds will vary depending on your location. Ideally, late spring or even early summer.
gardening
It’s not just the soil and garden beds that need loving care. Check your garden paths and the area around your beds for any maintenance needs.
Do you have packaging that is cracked/broken and needs to be replaced? Need to weed your sidewalk? Are there any areas that need more mulch or gravel?
If you have raised garden beds, planters or other flower pots, check if they need any repairs. If you want to extend the growing season, you can also add cold frames or row covers to insulate your plants.
Perennials and Cuttings
Spring is an ideal time to divide perennials and replant them as needed. If flowering perennials grow in the same place for a while, their growth may stagnate or even stop. Dividing into multiple plants during the early spring growing season will not only strengthen the plant but also increase the number of flowers.
Even bare root cuttings, such as elderberries, are a good idea to start now. Below are instructions on how to gather elderberry cuttings for summer planting. If you are planting trees, fruit trees, bushes or shrubs, a good time to do so is in the spring when the ground is no longer frozen.
Helping Our Garden Friends
Your garden wouldn’t be the same without friendly bugs and pollinators. While many farmers wage war on the natural world, bugs, birds and bees are essential to a healthy ecosystem.
We’ve already told you that you have bee hives in your backyard, but there are many ways you can support pollinators and other garden helpers. Create a simple bee hotel. Stock up on birdhouses or bird feeders. Dust it off, take it out of the garage, and see what needs to be replaced or repaired.
Hang and refill bird feeders, and clean and refill bird baths. If you have a bat house, check it out. If not, here’s why I recommend it! You can also plan and plant a butterfly garden.
Preparing your spring garden
I know I mentioned a lot in this spring garden checklist, but I don’t feel the need to tackle everything at once (or at all). As the seasons of my life changed, my garden and what I did changed. Sometimes I have a huge vegetable garden, other times I take a step back and focus more on herbs and flowers.
This season, do what feels good and is doable. We hope these gardening tips will help you better prepare for the gardening season. No matter what it looks like to you!
How do you prepare your garden for spring? Is there anything you’d like to add or something I’ve missed? Please leave a comment and share below!
