Spring Garden Prep Checklist: The Right Tasks in the Right Order for a Spectacular Season

Don't Rush the Soil

Working wet soil destroys structure. Squeeze test: ball should crumble, not hold shape. Pile amendments on top; wait for dry.

Ordered Spring Checklist

1. Finalize plant orders (catalogs dog-eared). Move dormant plants before green-up.
2. Tool audit: Clean, sharpen, replace. Mower blades too.
3. Build a cold frame (optional but easy): hay bales + old window → 18" high → lettuce, peas, kale in March.
4. Soil test: Worth every penny. Exact pH and nutrient prescriptions.
5. Winter mulch removal: Wait for true spring. Refresh all beds with blood meal (nitrogen replacement).
6. Early weeding: Weekly, before seeding. Raised beds = fast work.
7. Install edging: Stops grass invasion. Saves hours all summer.

Then the Fun Begins

Plant. Sow. Watch. The prep was the investment. The season is the return.