As the snow retreats and temperatures rise, gardening enthusiasts across the region are eagerly getting ready for the spring growing season. Local garden centers report a surge in foot traffic as residents seek supplies for their annual spring garden prep. This crucial period sets the stage for a successful growing season, with experts emphasizing the importance of early intervention before plants begin their vigorous spring growth.
Pulling Weeds
Essential spring garden preparation tasks should be tackled while the ground remains workable from winter moisture. “The soft soil conditions we have right now make weed removal significantly easier,” notes Marsha Jenkins, horticulturist at the Community Garden Center. “Pull those weeds while they’re young and before they establish deep root systems.
This simple step will save countless hours of more difficult weeding later in the season. Ideally, gardeners should begin these preparations as soon as the ground thaws but before new growth accelerates.”
Pruning
Pruning ranks high on the priority list for spring garden maintenance. Summer-blooming shrubs like butterfly bush, panicle hydrangea, and rose-of-sharon benefit from early spring trimming since they produce flowers on current season’s growth. “The ideal pruning window is closing fast,” warns James Peterson, certified arborist.
“Pruning these summer bloomers now encourages vigorous new growth that will support this year’s flower display. Just remember to hold off on spring-flowering shrubs like azaleas and lilacs until after they bloom to avoid cutting off this year’s flower buds.”
Fertilizer
Once the ground thaws completely, applying fertilizer becomes the next critical task. Garden experts recommend using granular fertilizers appropriate for specific plant types and guided by soil test results. This timely nutrient boost supports the coming growth spurt.
Meanwhile, a thorough inspection of trees and shrubs for winter damage allows gardeners to address problems before the growing season intensifies. Broken branches, damaged limbs, and evergreen tip dieback should all be pruned to promote healthy spring growth and prevent potential disease issues.
The removal of dead perennial foliage marks another essential spring task that clears the way for emerging growth. “I always tell my clients to rake or clip off browned foliage from last season’s perennials,” says Maria Sanchez, a local landscape designer. “This not only improves garden appearance but also reduces potential disease problems. While you’re at it, check for perennials that may have heaved from the soil during freeze-thaw cycles and gently press them back into place, adding fresh mulch for protection.”
Early Spring Season
Early spring, just before new growth emerges, provides the perfect opportunity for dividing overgrown perennials. This rejuvenates plants while creating new specimens for garden expansion or sharing with neighbors. Neighborhood garden clubs report increased activity in plant exchanges as residents divide their perennial bounty. Garden experts caution, however, that early-blooming perennials should be left undisturbed until after their flowering period has concluded.
Prevention plays a key role in spring garden preparation. The application of pre-emergent weed controls and crabgrass preventers provides a defense against unwanted vegetation. Timing these applications correctly maximizes effectiveness. Local garden centers suggest using natural indicators like blooming forsythia as timing cues for these preventative measures. Creating clean, sharp edges along garden beds completes the spring preparation process, providing definition between lawns and planting areas while creating a barrier for mulch.
Prep Your Garden!
Early garden preparation yields benefits throughout the growing season. “The effort invested now in these essential tasks pays dividends in reduced maintenance and healthier plants all season long,” says Sanchez. Neighborhood garden clubs are organizing community workdays to help elderly residents complete these tasks, fostering community connections while beautifying local landscapes. As spring unfolds, these preliminary steps create the foundation for months of garden enjoyment and productivity ahead.
