6 Essential Spring Gardening Tasks for a Bountiful Summer Garden

Spring is prime time for garden prep. Focus on high-impact tasks for a beautiful, productive summer.

1. Clean the Yard: Rake winter debris. Remove old mulch so soil thaws. Once warm, apply new mulch away from plant bases.
2. Make Repairs: Fix frost-damaged steps, fences, paths immediately to prevent further damage and tripping hazards. Spring is ideal for painting before summer heat.
3. Prune Trees and Shrubs: Wait for new leaf growth to identify dead/damaged branches. Hire a tree company for safe removal. Trim shrubs annually for size control.
4. Add Compost: Spread last year's composted soil for nutrients. No pile? Start one now—bins/tumblers keep rodents out.
5. Start Planting: Use nutrient-rich topsoil. Stake new trees and climbers (tomatoes, cucumbers). Water well for first two weeks until established.
6. Clean Bird Feeders: Empty, inspect for damage, clean thoroughly. Repair wood feeders; discard damaged glass/plastic. Scrub wood with stiff brush; disinfect glass/plastic with diluted bleach, rinse, dry, then refill.

These six steps set the stage for a glorious summer garden.