Spring Garden Preparation Checklist

19 items · Home · Medium difficulty · 2 hours

Get your garden ready for spring: clear debris, enrich soil, start seeds, and prevent pests.

• Remove dead plant material from beds

  Cut back perennials, pull spent annuals; compost healthy debris and discard diseased material.

• Clear weeds and old mulch

  Pull deep-rooted weeds and rake away compacted old mulch to expose soil.

• Test soil pH and nutrients

  Collect samples from multiple spots and use a kit or lab for accurate results.

• Amend soil with compost and organic matter

  Spread 2–3 inches of compost and work into the top 6–8 inches of soil.

• Turn and refresh the compost pile

  Aerate, check moisture, and balance greens and browns for active composting.

• Repair and prepare raised beds

  Replace rotten boards, tighten brackets, and top-dress with fresh planting mix.

• Plan and lay out planting schedule and seed-start dates

  Decide what to grow where and note indoor sowing and transplant dates.

• Check local last frost date and create a seed calendar

  Use your frost date to back-calculate indoor sow and outdoor transplant dates.

• Sketch garden layout and allocate crops

  Mark bed locations, rotations, and companion planting spots on a simple map.

• Call utility locates before digging or building beds

  Request local utility markings to avoid damaging underground lines.

• Inspect and sharpen garden tools

  Sharpen blades, oil hinges, and repair handles for safer, cleaner cuts.

• Clean and sanitize pots, trays, and seed flats

  Wash with mild bleach solution or hot soapy water to prevent disease carryover.

• Start seeds indoors per your schedule

  Use labeled trays, proper light, and consistent moisture for strong seedlings.

• Inspect irrigation and drip lines for winter damage

  Flush lines, repair leaks, and replace worn connectors before watering season.

• Set mower height and perform first lawn cleanup

  Rake debris, set a high cut for first mow, and check mower blade sharpness.

• Install supports and trellises for climbing plants

  Secure stakes, cages, or trellises now to avoid disturbing roots later.

• Mulch around perennials and newly planted beds

  Apply 2 inches of mulch, leaving crowns exposed to prevent rot.

• Set up a pest prevention plan and monitoring

  Identify likely pests, place traps, and plan organic controls ahead of time.

• Tidy pathways and remove debris

  Clear walkways to improve access and reduce pest hiding spots.

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