Spring Garden Tips

Prepare Your Garden for Spring Success

Spring is the most exciting time in the garden as plants awaken from winter dormancy. Proper spring care sets the foundation for a beautiful, healthy landscape throughout the growing season. Our landscape designers share their essential tips for spring garden success.

Early Spring Tasks (March - April)

Clean Up Winter Debris:
Remove fallen branches, leaves, and dead plant material. This prevents disease and pest problems while revealing emerging spring bulbs and perennials.

Cut Back Perennials:
Trim back ornamental grasses and perennials left for winter interest. Cut to 2-3 inches above ground before new growth emerges. Leave spring-blooming perennials like hellebores untouched.

Edge Garden Beds:
Refresh bed edges for a crisp, clean appearance. Proper edging also helps contain mulch and prevents grass from creeping into beds.

Prune Spring-Blooming Shrubs After Flowering:
Wait to prune forsythia, lilac, and other spring bloomers until after flowers fade. Pruning too early removes flower buds.

Mid-Spring Tasks (April - May)

Apply Fresh Mulch:
Add 2-3 inches of organic mulch to garden beds. Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Keep mulch away from plant stems and tree trunks.

Divide Perennials:
Divide overgrown perennials as they emerge. Spring is ideal for dividing summer and fall bloomers like daylilies, hostas, and coneflowers.

Feed Your Lawn:
Apply organic fertilizer when grass greens up and begins active growth. Early feeding promotes strong root development and lush growth.

Start Vegetable Seeds Indoors:
Begin seeds for tomatoes, peppers, and other warm-season vegetables 6-8 weeks before your last frost date.

Late Spring Tasks (May - June)

Plant Summer Annuals:
After the last frost, plant annual flowers, vegetables, and tropical plants. Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting.

Stake Tall Plants:
Install supports for peonies, delphiniums, and tall perennials before they grow too large. Early staking prevents damage and looks more natural.

Monitor for Pests:
Watch for early pest problems like aphids and slugs. Address issues promptly when populations are small and easier to control.

Deadhead Spring Bulbs:
Remove spent flowers from tulips and daffodils, but allow foliage to yellow naturally. This replenishes bulbs for next year's display.

Spring Soil Care

• Wait until soil dries before working it - walking on wet soil causes compaction
• Test soil pH and nutrients; amend based on results
• Add compost to improve soil structure and fertility
• Avoid over-tilling which damages soil structure

Spring Lawn Care Essentials

• Rake gently to remove dead grass and debris
• Aerate compacted areas to improve air and water penetration
• Overseed thin spots for thicker, healthier turf
• Apply pre-emergent natural weed control early in spring
• Mow high - set mower to 3-3.5 inches for healthy grass

Spring Watering Guidelines

Spring rainfall usually provides adequate moisture, but newly planted items need special attention:

• Water new plantings thoroughly at installation
• Keep root zone consistently moist during establishment
• Reduce watering as plants establish and temperatures remain cool
• Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep roots

Spring Planting Tips

• Choose plants suited to your site's sun exposure and soil conditions
• Dig planting holes 2-3 times wider than the root ball
• Plant at the same depth as in the container
• Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil
• Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around (not touching) new plants

Don't Rush These Tasks

Resist the urge to start too early:

• Don't cut back ornamental grasses until new growth begins
• Wait for soil to dry before working it
• Don't plant tender annuals until after last frost
• Delay pruning spring bloomers until after flowering