As the days grow longer and the soil begins to thaw, it’s the perfect time to turn your attention to the garden. Spring prep doesn’t have to be overwhelming—by tackling a few simple tasks early on, you’ll set yourself up for a season of healthy plants, fewer weeds, and better harvests. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or both, here’s how to begin prepping your garden for spring.
Before you dig into planting or planning, clear out any remaining debris from last year’s garden. Remove fallen leaves, dead annuals, and any leftover plant matter that may be harboring pests or diseases. Be careful not to compost anything that looks diseased—toss those materials in the trash to avoid contaminating future plantings.
If you left perennials untrimmed for winter interest or pollinator habitat, now is the time to cut them back to make room for fresh growth.
Check your garden beds for signs of winter damage. Raised beds may need new corner supports or additional soil. In-ground beds might benefit from edging or a top-up of compost. Remove any weeds that have sprouted during the winter months—this is easier when the soil is damp and roots release more readily.
This is also a good time to check on your mulch. If it’s compacted or has thinned out, plan to replenish it after planting to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Use a simple soil test kit to check the pH and nutrient levels in your beds. Based on the results, you may need to add compost, lime, sulfur, or a balanced organic fertilizer to prepare your soil for the season.
Adding amendments now gives them time to break down and integrate with the soil. Lightly till or mix them into the top few inches of soil, being careful not to disturb the soil structure too much, especially if your soil is still wet.
Late winter to early spring is an ideal time to prune many trees and shrubs, especially fruit trees and flowering bushes that bloom on new growth. Remove any damaged or diseased branches, and thin out crowded areas to allow for better airflow and shape.
Be careful not to prune spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs or forsythia just yet—these bloom on old wood, and pruning too early may reduce blooms.
This is also a good time to check on your mulch. If it’s compacted or has thinned out, plan to replenish it after planting to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Not to mention having a quality mulch will add to the overall aesthetic of your landscaping. If you can’t decide which mulch or bark to use, please give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss the best options and provide recommendations.
Schlegel Barkdust has provided high-quality gardening and landscaping supplies for over 20 years. We are proud to be a family-owned business and love helping our customers create their dream yards. If you are thinking of getting some compost or mulch for your yard, give us a call or check out our materials calculator to learn exactly how much you need!
