Gardeners eagerly anticipate the first day of spring (typically March 19-21), yet early-season conditions—like lingering frost or muddy ground—often temper initial enthusiasm. Whether you’re in a milder climate (USDA Zone 7+) where flowers already bloom, or a colder region still thawing out, proactive preparation is key to a successful growing season. Here are five essential garden chores to complete before spring officially arrives.
Cleaning for a Fresh Start
A thorough cleanup sets the stage for productive gardening. This means clearing walkways, patios, and lawns of winter debris: fallen branches, leaves, and lingering mud. Waiting for a dry spell before hosing down surfaces prevents further mess, though a gentle sweep is effective too.
Beyond hardscapes, bird baths should be scrubbed with mild soap and water. Fire pits and wood piles also benefit from tidying up. Garden beds can be lightly cleared if spring bulbs are already emerging; carefully move leaves aside to expose growth without disturbing the protective cover.
Crucially, tool maintenance is often overlooked. While fall cleaning is ideal, pruning shears and other cutting tools require regular sanitation to prevent disease spread.
Strategic Spring Pruning
Early spring is an optimal time for pruning many shrubs and perennials. Panicle hydrangeas, tall garden phlox, sedums, chrysanthemums, bearded irises, and hostas all respond well to pruning now.
The goal is to remove dead or damaged growth and encourage new, healthy shoots. Lightly cleaning away old leaves from heucheras, columbines, and daylilies provides space and airflow. Always research the proper timing for each plant, checking for emerging buds before cutting. Fruit trees should also be inspected for broken limbs, which should be pruned to prevent further damage.
Inventory and Repair of Garden Supplies
A disorganized tool shed hinders efficiency. Before the busy season, take stock of your supplies: buckets of hand tools, basement-stored shovels, and leaky hoses. Discard beyond-repair items (like hoses patched multiple times) and assess what needs cleaning or fixing.
Watering cans should be checked for leaks, and open bags of soil amendments inspected for mildew. Stack clean plant containers, discarding broken ones. Proper tool maintenance extends their lifespan and saves money in the long run.
Running Essential Errands
Rainy spring days are ideal for logistical tasks. Visit nurseries and hardware stores to replenish supplies you know you’ll need: lawn bags, soil, mulch, gloves, and replacement tools.
Seed Sorting and Planning
Many gardeners save seeds from the previous season. Early spring is a good time to review your seed collection, identify unused packets, and plan your planting schedule. A little organization now prevents wasted seeds and ensures you maximize your garden’s potential.
By tackling these chores before the first day of spring, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy a thriving garden season. Prioritizing cleanliness, pruning, tool maintenance, and supply readiness makes the most of warmer weather.
