Spring Garden Jump-Start: Soil, Pruning, Planting & Weed Control

Spring excitement tempts early digging—but wet soil compacts, ruining structure. Wait for the "crumb test": handful falls apart = go time.

Early Spring (Before Leaf-Out)

• Prune: Dead/diseased/crossing branches. Summer bloomers (hydrangea, rose) now. Spring bloomers (lilac, forsythia) **after** flowers.
• Transplant: Move shrubs/perennials before growth resumes.
• Clean beds: Remove dead foliage, leaf litter (disease harbor).

Cool-Season Planting (As Soon As Soil Works)

• Direct sow: Peas, spinach, radish, carrot, beet, lettuce, kale.
• Transplant: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions.
• Flowers: Sweet alyssum, snapdragon, stock, sweet pea, pansy, viola.
• Perennials: Hosta, daylily, coneflower divisions.

Start Warm-Season Indoors

Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, basil, marigold, zinnia — 6–8 wks before last frost. Harden off 7–10 days.

Cold Frame = Season Extender

Bottomless box + clear lid. Captures solar heat. Hardens off seedlings, starts early crops, protects tender plants.

Weed Early, Win All Year

• Shallow roots now = easy pull.
• Landscape fabric on unplanted areas.
• Mulch 2–3" after planting.
• One thorough weeding = exponential spring savings.

Enjoy the Process

Spring garden isn’t a chore list—it’s a conversation with the earth. Watch, adjust, celebrate every sprout.