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Spring Garden Preparation Checklist

Medium 19 items · 2 hours
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testuser Published 2 weeks ago

Prepare your garden for a productive spring with this practical checklist. It’s designed for home gardeners who want to clear winter debris, improve soil, start seeds, and prevent pests before planting season.

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  1. Remove dead plant material from beds — Cut back perennials, pull spent annuals; compost healthy debris and discard diseased material.
  2. Clear weeds and old mulch — Pull deep-rooted weeds and rake away compacted old mulch to expose soil.
  3. Test soil pH and nutrients — Collect samples from multiple spots and use a kit or lab for accurate results.
  4. Amend soil with compost and organic matter — Spread 2–3 inches of compost and work into the top 6–8 inches of soil.
  5. Turn and refresh the compost pile — Aerate, check moisture, and balance greens and browns for active composting.
  6. Repair and prepare raised beds — Replace rotten boards, tighten brackets, and top-dress with fresh planting mix.
  7. Plan and lay out planting schedule and seed-start dates — Decide what to grow where and note indoor sowing and transplant dates.
  8. Check local last frost date and create a seed calendar — Use your frost date to back-calculate indoor sow and outdoor transplant dates.
  9. Sketch garden layout and allocate crops — Mark bed locations, rotations, and companion planting spots on a simple map.
  10. Call utility locates before digging or building beds — Request local utility markings to avoid damaging underground lines.
  11. Inspect and sharpen garden tools — Sharpen blades, oil hinges, and repair handles for safer, cleaner cuts.
  12. Clean and sanitize pots, trays, and seed flats — Wash with mild bleach solution or hot soapy water to prevent disease carryover.
  13. Start seeds indoors per your schedule — Use labeled trays, proper light, and consistent moisture for strong seedlings.
  14. Inspect irrigation and drip lines for winter damage — Flush lines, repair leaks, and replace worn connectors before watering season.
  15. Set mower height and perform first lawn cleanup — Rake debris, set a high cut for first mow, and check mower blade sharpness.
  16. Install supports and trellises for climbing plants — Secure stakes, cages, or trellises now to avoid disturbing roots later.
  17. Mulch around perennials and newly planted beds — Apply 2 inches of mulch, leaving crowns exposed to prevent rot.
  18. Set up a pest prevention plan and monitoring — Identify likely pests, place traps, and plan organic controls ahead of time.
  19. Tidy pathways and remove debris — Clear walkways to improve access and reduce pest hiding spots.
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