Get Ready for Spring Gardening With These 8 Must-Do Tasks

Spring is just around the corner, and if you’re a gardening enthusiast, you know what that means – it’s time to get your hands dirty and prepare your garden for the upcoming season. But before you jump right in, you need to complete a few essential things to ensure your garden thrives this spring. Here are eight must-do tasks to prepare your garden for the new season.

8 Must-Do Gardening Tasks this Spring

Spring is the perfect time to start gardening. The weather is warming up, the soil is rich, and the plants are eager to grow. With these eight must-do tasks, you can ensure your garden thrives this spring and beyond. However, don’t feel overwhelmed if you can’t do everything at once. Prioritize the tasks according to your garden’s needs and how much time you can dedicate to it. Remember, gardening is not just a hobby but also a way to connect with nature, relieve stress, and improve your mental and physical health.

#1: Clean up your garden

The first thing you need to do is to clean up your garden. Remove any debris, dead leaves, and plants that did not survive the winter. This will allow your plants to flourish and prevent any disease or pests from thriving in your garden.

#2: Test your soil

Before planting anything new, it’s important to test your soil to determine its nutrient content. You can purchase a soil test kit from your local garden center. Knowing the nutrient content of your soil will help you decide what kind of fertilizer to use and which plants will thrive in your garden.

#3: Add compost and fertilizer

Once you know the nutrient content of your soil, it’s time to add compost and fertilizer. Compost is an excellent organic matter that adds nutrients to your soil and helps improve its structure. You can purchase compost or make your own using food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials. Additionally, you can use a slow-release fertilizer to give your plants a boost of nutrients throughout the growing season.

#4: Tend to perennials and clean containers

Spring may not always be the best time to prune trees and shrubs, as it can interfere with their blooming and cause sap leakage. Instead, focus on cutting back last season’s perennials and cleaning up containers that you might have missed during the fall. When pruning, only remove broken or damaged branches, and always prioritize the health of the tree or shrub over aesthetics.

#5: Plan your garden layout

Before you start planting, take the time to plan your garden layout. Consider the amount of sunlight, water, and space each plant will need to grow. Also, think about the aesthetic appeal of your garden and which plants will complement each other. Planning your garden layout allows you to create a beautiful and functional garden that thrives throughout the season.

#6: Start your seeds indoors

If you plan to grow vegetables or herbs, consider starting your seeds indoors. This will give your plants a head start and allow you to harvest them earlier. You can use a seed starting kit or containers filled with potting soil to start your seeds. Keep the soil moist and warm, and once the seedlings emerge, move them to a sunny spot. Read everything you need to know about seeding starting in Alberta in our previous blog.

#7: Install irrigation systems

If you want to save time and water, consider installing an irrigation system in your garden. Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the roots of your plants, reducing water waste and preventing disease. You can install a DIY system or hire a professional to install one for you. This is especially helpful if you have a large garden or if you live in a dry area where water is scarce.

#8: Mulch your garden beds

Finally, remember to mulch your garden beds. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. You can use a variety of materials for mulch, including wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves. Spread a layer of mulch around your plants, making sure to keep it away from the base of the stems. Mulch not only protects your plants from the weather but also makes your garden look more attractive.

Getting your garden ready for spring requires some preparation and planning, but the results are well worth it. By cleaning up your garden, testing your soil, adding compost and fertilizer, cutting back perennials, planning your garden layout, starting your seeds indoors, installing irrigation systems, and mulching your garden beds, you’ll create a beautiful and thriving garden that you can enjoy all season long.

Remember to be patient and wait for the soil to dry out before starting your spring gardening tasks. Avoid working in muddy beds, as it can lead to soil compaction and harm late-emerging beneficial insects that reside in leaf debris. Remember, a late spring doesn’t mean you can’t have a successful gardening season – just be mindful of the conditions and adjust your plans accordingly.

If you’re new to gardening, don’t worry. There are plenty of resources available to help you get started, including books, online tutorials, and local gardening clubs. You can also visit your local nursery or garden center and ask for advice from the staff. They can recommend plants that will thrive in your area and provide you with useful tips on how to care for them.

Spring gardening can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these eight must-do tasks, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that you can enjoy all season long. Remember to take it one step at a time, and don’t forget to enjoy the process. If you need to stock up on some helpful gardening products or have questions, visit one of our locations in Calgary, Edmonton, or Red Deer. Happy gardening!

What do you plan on growing in your garden this year? Do you have any additional tips for other gardeners? Share your thoughts with our readers in the comments below.