Early Spring Tasks for a Thriving Flower Garden

Early spring offers a prime window for flower garden work, well ahead of the vegetable patch's mid-spring rush. This season is ideal for planting and transplanting herbaceous perennials, as well as handling bulbs, rock plants, and seedlings started last year.

Though early spring weather can swing wildly between warm and frosty, you can capitalize on mild spells that dry the soil. Hardy plants installed during these windows will withstand subsequent cold snaps. Soil condition trumps air temperature: sandy soils allow planting almost anytime, but heavy clay demands careful timing to avoid waterlogged roots. Plants with thick, fleshy roots are especially vulnerable to rot in wet ground.

Another priority is reviving the lawn after winter. As grass resumes growth, begin aerating, feeding, and repairing bare patches to restore both turf and soil health.

Outdoor seed sowing can commence once the soil is prepared. Hardy annuals dominate early sowings, though herbaceous perennials can also be started from seed. While they take longer to flower than nursery-bought plants, they're far cheaper and guaranteed pest- and disease-free.

For half-hardy annuals and bedding plants, sow seeds in a greenhouse or cold frame. Dahlias and sweet peas can be started in containers under cover. The greenhouse is also perfect for taking cuttings of various plants.