Every spring one of the things I look forward to the most is getting back into the garden and yard. Living in a warm place I can do a lot outside, but there are some chores that need to be done in the spring. Here is my list of things to do in my garden this spring to get everything ready for summer and beyond.
My approach to gardening may look different than someone in a cold climate. Wherever you live, there are some useful gardening tasks to do before planting in warm weather. The yard may need to be cleaned, garden equipment replaced, and soil remedied.
Spring Garden Planning
I have had a garden for years and our family has grown a variety of vegetables. I am also an avid beekeeper and recently we have been feeding ducks and chickens. Then there are herbs and flowers scattered around the yard.
While what I’ve grown has certainly changed over the years, you’ll always find me growing something.
What is the first step in gardening? Editing.
You can find your USDA plant hardiness zone here. It will tell you the last and first frost dates. If you live in a really warm area (like me) you probably have multiple growing seasons throughout the year. Someone who lives in a true four-season area will usually have spring and fall available to plant a garden. Really cold weather has a few months in the summer.
Whatever climate you live in, be sure to check your last frost date and work backwards from there.
The Garden Planner
A garden journal or planner is really helpful. This can be an app on your phone, a computer program, or just plain old pencil and paper. Check out last year’s garden plans and notes. What worked, what didn’t? What do you want to change or add? Decide what and where to plant in the garden.
It can be fun to plan big things, but also remember what will work in your area and what you are realistically capable of doing. It doesn’t make sense to plant 20 tomato plants if you only have 3 garden beds! Research how much space each plant needs to have enough room to grow. This is my favorite garden planning app.
This is a good way to plan crop rotation to prevent soil erosion. I also do companion planting when I garden to improve plant and soil health. Once you know what plants to plant, write down when to start the seeds and plant them outside.
The Seed Begins
Once you know where (and when) you want to plant, it’s time to start the seeds. Some plants require fully warm weather to thrive and need to be planted in late spring or early summer, depending on your location. Some crops tolerate cool weather well, such as peas, lettuce, spinach, and root vegetables.
Some crops can be grown directly in the ground, such as lettuce and carrots. Some work better when started indoors and transplanted. You can find my seed guide here.
Soil Testing
This step is not always necessary, but it can be very helpful. A soil test lets you know which nutrients are low or absent so amendments can be made. Local university extension offices are often a good resource for this.
A soil test looks at the proportions of sand, silt, clay, and basic soil composition. It will also indicate pH and available nutrient levels. Certain plants grow best at certain soil pH levels, so it can be the difference between having a thriving garden and little or no growth.
Crop rotation, intercropping, and regenerative practices (such as not making large areas of two crops) help in this regard.
Add Compost
If you know what’s going on underground, spring is a good time to apply compost. I like to add extra nutrients with compost as I grow my vegetables, herbs, and flowers. However, you can also help improve the overall quality of the soil by applying compost in the spring.
At the beginning of spring, spread a layer of compost about 2-4 centimeters thick over the surface. If the soil is rich and hard, break it up first. Next, plant and work the compost into the soil. You can do this with a hoe, a garden rake, or your hands if it’s a small area. Learn how to start composting here and how to make compost tea here.
Drive, Drive, Decide
If you haven’t trimmed trees, shrubs, and plants in the fall, now is the time. I like to prune trees, shrubs, and anything else I need to do. This gets rid of dead debris so the plant can focus on new growth.
Here are things that can be pruned in the spring:
- Dead or damaged branches
- Flowering trees (just at the top, before new growth begins)
- Overgrown trees and hedges
Cut back dead growth from the previous year on perennials. Clean up old leaves, twigs, and dead plant material and make compost. Avoid pruning or cutting back spring flowering plants such as forsythia or lavender.
Organize and repair a garden shed and a bathroom bench. Stock up on any supplies you will need. Where is your watering can, garden hose, and gardening tools? Are there any that you need when you start farming? Clean, sharpen, and oil any tools as needed. Discard and replace as needed.
This is another place where it can be tempting to go out and buy everything. Ask yourself what exactly you use and what kind of garden you have. If you have a few raised beds on your back porch, you don’t need a large tiller.
If you have a rain barrel (or want one!), then this can be set up in late spring. Make sure you clean the gutters and make sure the downspout and any necessary attachments are working.
Weeds and Mulch
Many plants that people call weeds are actually useful and medicinal plants, such as dandelion and plantain. However, 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 a head start on your weed. Just be sure to save plenty from the pollinator yard!
I like to remove garden beds when the soil is moist and the roots are easy to pull out. It is much easier to remove them in the early stages of growth than later. And they are less likely to go to seed and make more weeds.
You can cover the beds with a thick layer of mulch to prevent future weed growth. However, it can be easier to plant small seedlings first, and then cover them around.
Stick to Cleanliness
It is best to wait until the warm weather arrives to clean up leaf litter and do yard clean-up tasks. Pollinators and beneficial insects rely on their protection in winter and spring. According to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation:
Meanwhile, last year’s leaf litter still provides protection for both plants and invertebrates against late season frosts. And the chrysalides of the butterflies are still clinging to the dried trunks and branches, waiting for the right time to emerge when they are adults. – The community of Xerces
The ideal time to start cleaning your yard and garden depends on your location. The ideal is late spring or early summer.
Maintenance of Garden Areas
It’s not just dirt and garden beds that need some loving care. Check your garden paths and areas around the beds for any maintenance needs.
Are there any pavers that are cracked/broken and need to be replaced? Are there weeds that need to be removed from the walkways? Are there spots that need to be filled with more mulch or rocks?
If you have raised garden beds, pots, or other containers, check for any repairs that need to be done. If you want to extend the growing season, you can also add cold frames or row covers to cover the plants.
Perennials and Cuttings
Spring is the perfect time to divide perennials and replant as needed. When a flowering perennial grows in the same place for a while its growth can slow down or stop. Dividing it into several plants during spring growth not only strengthens the plants, but can increase the flowers.
Bare root cuttings, such as elderberry, are also good to start now. Here is a guide to collecting elderberry cuttings for summer planting. If you are planting any trees, fruit trees, shrubs, or trees, when the ground is not frozen in the spring is a good time to do it.
Helping Garden Friends
A garden would not be what it is without friendly bugs and pollinators. While many farmers are at war with the natural world, bugs, birds, and bees are essential to a healthy eco-system.
I’ve already mentioned that I have beehives in the backyard, but there are many ways to support pollinators and other garden helpers. Try to make a simple bee hotel. Look for any birdhouses or bird feeders. Dust them off and take them out of the garage, see what needs to be replaced or repaired.
Hang and refill bird feeders, and clean and refill bird baths. Check your bat house if you have one, and if not, that’s why I recommend them! You can even plan and plant a butterfly garden.
Spring Garden Preparation
I know I’ve talked a lot about this spring garden checklist, but don’t feel the need to tackle everything at once (or at all). As the seasons of my life have changed, so has my garden and what I have done with it. Sometimes I’ve had a big vegetable garden, other times I’ve scaled back and focused more on herbs and flowers.
Do what feels good (and possible) to you during this season. I hope these gardening tips help you feel more prepared for your gardening season. Whatever that looks like to you!
How do you prepare your garden for spring? Anything to add or have I missed? Leave a comment and share below!
