Awaken your garden and prepare for a bountiful growing season
πΈ Welcome Spring!
Spring is the most exciting time in the garden! As temperatures warm and days lengthen, it’s time to shake off winter’s dormancy and prepare for the growing season ahead. This is your window to establish a strong foundation for summer’s abundance.
Key Focus Areas: Soil preparation, early planting, pest prevention, and establishing maintenance routines.
π― Essential Spring Tasks
πΏ Early Spring (March) – Preparation Phase
- Clean up winter debris, dead leaves, and plant material
- Inspect garden beds and structures for damage
- Test soil pH and nutrient levels
- Add compost and organic matter to beds (2-3 inches)
- Start seeds indoors for warm-season crops
- Prune fruit trees and shrubs before bud break
- Check and repair irrigation systems
- Sharpen and clean garden tools
π± Mid Spring (April) – Planting Begins
- Direct sow cool-season crops (peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes)
- Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and perennials
- Divide and transplant perennials
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide for weeds
- Begin regular watering schedule
- Install trellises and supports before plants grow large
- Monitor for early pests (aphids, slugs)
- Apply organic mulch around plants (2-3 inches)
π» Late Spring (May) – Full Growth Mode
- Transplant warm-season seedlings after last frost
- Direct sow warm-season crops (beans, squash, cucumbers)
- Thin overcrowded seedlings
- Begin regular fertilizing schedule
- Stake tomatoes and other tall plants
- Hand-pull weeds regularly (easier when small)
- Watch for pest problems and treat early
- Deadhead spring flowers to encourage more blooms
π Spring Planting Calendar
πΏ March (Cool Season)
- β’ Peas (as soon as soil workable)
- β’ Spinach
- β’ Lettuce
- β’ Kale
- β’ Radishes
- β’ Onion sets
- β’ Potatoes
π± April (Transition)
- β’ Carrots
- β’ Beets
- β’ Swiss chard
- β’ Broccoli (transplants)
- β’ Cabbage (transplants)
- β’ Herbs (cool-season)
π» May (Warm Season)
- β’ Tomatoes (after last frost)
- β’ Peppers
- β’ Beans
- β’ Squash & Zucchini
- β’ Cucumbers
- β’ Corn
- β’ Basil & warm herbs
β οΈ Know Your Last Frost Date!
The timing above assumes a last frost date around mid-April (Zone 6-7). Adjust for your specific zone:
- Zone 3-4: Wait until late May for warm-season crops
- Zone 5-6: Mid to late April
- Zone 7-8: Early to mid-April
- Zone 9-10: Plant warm-season crops in March
π‘ Spring Gardening Tips
Soil Temperature Matters
Use a soil thermometer! Seeds won’t germinate in cold soil. Wait for:
- 40Β°F+ for peas, spinach
- 50Β°F+ for lettuce, carrots
- 60Β°F+ for beans, cucumbers
- 70Β°F+ for tomatoes, peppers
Water Wisely
Spring rains may be unpredictable. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Morning watering prevents fungal issues.
Harden Off Seedlings
Indoor seedlings need gradual introduction to outdoors. Start with 1-2 hours outside, increase daily over 7-10 days before transplanting.
Pest Prevention
Early spring is easier to prevent pests than treat them later. Use row covers, check plants weekly, and remove pests when populations are small.
Mulch Magic
Wait until soil warms before mulching. Then apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
Prune Early
Prune fruit trees and summer-blooming shrubs in early spring before buds swell. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
π Your Spring Garden Checklist
Early Spring Tasks
Mid Spring Tasks
Late Spring Tasks
π Quick Reference Guide
π‘οΈ Temperature Guidelines
Last Frost Date: The average date of the last killing frost in your area. Find yours at weather.gov or ask local garden centers.
Soil Temperature: More important than air temperature for seed germination. Use a soil thermometer 2″ deep.
π§ Watering in Spring
- New transplants: Daily for first week, then every 2-3 days
- Established plants: 1-1.5 inches per week (including rain)
- Seeds/seedlings: Keep soil consistently moist until germination
- Best time: Early morning (6-10 AM)
π Watch for These Spring Pests
- Aphids: Check undersides of leaves, spray with water
- Slugs/Snails: Hand-pick at night, use beer traps
- Cutworms: Collar young transplants with cardboard
- Cabbage moths: Use row covers on brassicas