Spring is Coming: How to Prep Your Garden
Sorry for the late post—things have been a little hectic because I’m prepping for my wedding in May. But even with all that going on, I can’t ignore the fact that spring is creeping up fast. If you’re anything like me, you’re itching to get your hands in the dirt again. The snow’s melting, the sun’s staying out longer, and everything smells like fresh beginnings. But before you go wild planting everything in sight, there’s some prep work to do to make sure your garden is ready to thrive. Here’s my step-by-step guide to waking up your garden after winter.
1. Clean Up the Mess
Winter doesn’t leave your garden looking pretty. There are dead leaves, broken stems, maybe some forgotten pots or tools left out in the cold (we’ve all done it). Start by clearing out any debris, cutting back dead growth from perennials, and raking up any compacted mulch or leaves that could be harboring pests. This is also a good time to check for any damage from frost or critters.
2. Test and Amend Your Soil
After months of sitting under snow and rain, your soil needs some TLC. If you want to get real technical, grab a soil test kit to check the pH and nutrient levels. But at the very least, mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to give it a boost. I personally like hen manure pellets—easy to use and packed with nitrogen to kickstart plant growth.
3. Plan Your Layout
Before you start throwing seeds in the ground, take a minute to plan. What worked last year? What didn’t? Think about crop rotation if you grow veggies—tomatoes shouldn’t go in the same spot every year. Sketch out a rough layout of where things will go, keeping in mind sunlight and spacing needs. If you’re adding new plants, now’s the time to do your research.
4. Start Seeds Indoors
If you want a head start on the season, start your seeds indoors under grow lights. Peppers, tomatoes, and some flowers need extra time to develop before they go outside. Make sure you use good-quality seed-starting mix and keep the soil moist but not soaked. If you don’t have a grow light setup, even a sunny windowsill can work in a pinch.
5. Prune and Divide Perennials
Early spring is the best time to prune fruit trees, shrubs, and certain perennials. Remove any dead or weak branches to encourage healthy growth. If you have perennials that have gotten too big, dig them up and divide them. This keeps them vigorous and gives you extra plants to spread around or share with friends.
6. Check and Repair Tools
Nothing’s worse than getting outside, ready to work, and realizing your tools are rusted, dull, or broken. Give everything a once-over—sharpen pruners, oil hinges, and replace anything that didn’t survive the winter. If you have irrigation or rain barrels, check for leaks and clean out any blockages.
7. Mulch and Protect
Mulching is key to keeping your soil moist and weeds in check. Use shredded leaves, straw, or wood chips around your plants, but don’t pile it up against stems—that just invites rot. If you’re in an area with unpredictable spring frosts, keep row covers or cloches handy to protect young plants from sudden cold snaps.
8. Get Excited
The best part of prepping your garden? Knowing that in a few weeks, it’s going to be full of life again. Whether you’re growing food, flowers, or just a peaceful green space, spring is when everything comes back to life. Take your time, enjoy the process, and get ready for another growing season.
Now, go grab a coffee (or a beer, no judgment), step outside, and start planning. Spring is coming, and your garden is waiting.
Happy Gardening!
Issac
