Spring Yard Prep: Soil Tests, Pruning & Early Projects

Spring starts in January/February—planning phase. New home? Test soil now.

Soil Test First

DIY kit or lab. Saves money: no wrong plants, no dead plants. Check fruit trees/shrubs for pre-bloom pruning.

Perennial Management

Spreading too far? Swap with neighbors. Prep starter trays. Know last frost date. 6-week prep window.

Don't Rush Planting

Early planting = dead plants. Prepare seed boxes, but wait.

Infrastructure

Repair/paint furniture. Build frames (peas, tomatoes, cukes, heavy flowers) → vertical = less pests, more space.

New Beds

Newspaper + compost smothers weeds. Later: remove paper, dig in compost.

Bulb Planting

• Compost for drainage.
• Heavy soil? Add coarse sand.
• Roots down. Flat end down if no roots visible. Sideways works too.

Shed & Mower

Add shelves. Service mower NOW—beat the rush, have shortest grass on block.