As soon as the weather warms up we’re all itching to jump into the garden and start digging and planting! Well, fellow gardeners, even if it’s too early for planting your annuals, there’s still many ways to scratch that itch and get your hands dirty! The bonus is that our Spring checklist will help you get organized for the coming months, so you can be even more efficient with all your planting and hoeing. Take a look at our checklist below!
1. Take an assessment of your garden
How did your garden do this winter? If it was a tough winter, then you might need to do some damage control. This can include replacing perennials that didn’t make it through the winter and making a note of fences and garden dividers that need replacing or fixing.
2. Trim and prune your hedges, shrubs, and trees
Give your shrubs and hedges a trimming to get them in the right shape for Spring! Low branches from trees in your yard may also need pruning or removal. Cut back branches early, before buds and greenery start to form.
3. Clean up those pots!
It’s always a good idea to wash and clean all your pots in the Spring before re-planting them up with new annuals for the season. This helps to limit pests and keeps your plants healthy (not to mention looking super-fine!)
4. Rake and remove
Get those leaves off the grass and out of the garden beds in preparation for planting, then turn over your compost and add in the leaf piles. Be sure to remove any piles of branches and garden waste from your yard to discourage pests from taking up residence.
5. Refresh & revitalize your soil
This is the perfect time to refresh your garden beds by adding new soil and fertilizer. Our favourite and the easiest solution, is Sea Soil. Simply pour a layer on top of your garden beds, lightly mixing it with the soil.
6. Check your tools
A gardener relies on their tools to dig, hoe, prune, rake…well you get the idea. Take a look at your garden tools from last year and access whether they will survive another year of gardening. Look for rust, broken handles, chips, and loose screws. Spring is often the best time to replace your tools because of sale opportunities, as well as nurseries having the best selection this time of year.
7. Start your seeds indoors
Get a jump on growing your plants this year by starting seeds indoors and transplanting them to your garden later on in the season when it warms up.
8. Plan out your garden!
Probably the most fun item on this list, planning is an essential part to having a gorgeous blooming garden for the summer months. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with lots of resources:
Create a sun/shade map for your yard – figure out where you get the most sun and shade, so you can place plants where they will thrive!
Plan to use companion planting in your garden – which plants get along and help each other to grow better? Herbs, vegetables and flowers can actually help to fight pests and grow healthier harvests if you plant the right combinations.
Learn how to create a bee friendly garden – it’s no secret that bees need our help, especially in urban areas! Plan out a bee friendly area to help our fuzzy friends.
Think about adding Mason Bees to your garden! – this requires a little of planning but is definitely worth it. Take a look at our guide to get started.
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Well, that should keep us all busy for a while, at least until it’s time to plant those annuals and get going on the rest of the gardening. Have fun working in the garden and prepping for Spring this year!