PRO TIPS - SPRING GARDEN
Ready to kick off the growing season? These 10 spring garden tips will help you clean up winter damage, prep your soil, and set your lawn, beds, and plants up for a strong start.
QUICK FACTS
- Start when the soil is workable and beginning to warm
- Focus on cleanup, soil prep, pruning, and early-season planting
- Suitable for Canadian growing conditions
- Follow seed and product package instructions for best results
- Contact T&T Seeds for personalized growing advice
1. PREPARE YOUR GARDEN
Trim overhanging branches and remove leftover debris from last season. Rake mulch away from bulb beds before shoots appear, then refresh mulch once the soil warms. Inspect fences, steps, and pathways for winter damage.
2. GATHER TOOLS & PLANTS
Clean and sanitize tools, sharpen pruners, and replace anything worn out. Plan your plant list early—perennials, trees, shrubs, and seeds—so you’re ready when planting time arrives.
3. GET YOUR LAWN READY
Tune up your mower, sharpen blades, and check oil and fuel levels (as applicable). Rake out winter debris and reseed bare spots early—before the first heavy growth surge.
4. PRUNE TREES & SHRUBS
Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Prune summer-blooming shrubs and roses in early spring, but wait to prune spring-flowering shrubs and trees until after they bloom.
5. TEST & IMPROVE SOIL
Use a soil test to check pH and nutrient levels. Add lime to raise pH (more alkaline) or sulfur to lower pH (more acidic). Improve structure and fertility by adding compost or well-aged organic matter.
6. PREPARE NEW PLANTING BEDS
Once soil is workable, clear weeds and debris. Spread up to 4 in. of compost or well-aged manure and work it into the top 10–12 in. of soil. Avoid working soil when it’s wet to prevent compaction.
7. START PLANTING
Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and perennials in early spring on a cool, cloudy day. Sow cool-season flowers (like sweet peas and poppies) and vegetables (like lettuce and spinach) as soon as conditions allow. Transplant tender plants only after frost risk has passed.
8. FERTILIZE WISELY
Apply a balanced fertilizer when new growth appears. Use acid-forming fertilizer for acid-loving plants (like azaleas and camellias) as needed. Start feeding perennials once they are actively growing.
9. BUILD A COMPOST PILE
Start composting spring cleanup materials. Layer “browns” (dry leaves, straw) with “greens” (fresh clippings, plant scraps), keep the pile lightly moist, and turn it regularly for faster breakdown.
10. CLEAN BIRD FEEDERS & BATHS
Wash feeders and birdbaths using a mild bleach solution (¼ cup bleach per 2 gallons of water). Rinse thoroughly and refill regularly to help keep backyard birds healthy.
READY TO START GROWING?
Browse our selection of seeds and gardening essentials and get everything you need to start the season strong.
Shop now at T&T Seeds for the best selection of plants, seeds, and gardening supplies.
RELATED GROWING GUIDES
Explore more of our expert growing guides to expand your garden knowledge:
- Browse our complete collection of Gardening Tips guides
- Check out our gardening tips for seasonal advice
- Discover companion planting strategies for better yields
LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH
Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about sales, gardening news, plus seasonal tips and tricks.