Tackle all your outdoor tasks like a pro with this spring gardening checklist.
That way, you’ll be sure to hit each area of your landscape before summer arrives.
In temperate regions, most plants are just about to break dormancy but haven’t started actively growing yet.
Credit:Kritsada Panichgul
It also aids in keeping your existing perennials healthy.
Dividing the clump will encourage new growth.
Add mulch around perennials.
Credit:Bob Stefko
This also helps the soil retain moisture andkeeps down weeds.
Keeping the mulch level also helps it stay in place during heavy rains or wind.
If you havedownspouts that tend to wash away mulch, one fix is to replace it with river rocks.
Credit:Lynn Karlin
Prune trees and shrubs.
If you didn’tprune in winter, now is the time to trim yourfruit trees.
It’s also a good time toprune evergreen trees and shrubs.
Perform basic maintenance on your hardscaping.
Check stonework for frost heaves, particularly in paths and edging.
Check the general condition of your deck or patio andmake any needed repairs.
Clean offoutdoor furnitureso it’s ready when you are for relaxing after a busy day in the garden.
They should be ready to harvest by early summer.
With most of the cleanup completed, you’re able to get started adding new plants.
Some people like to take down theirbird feedersin spring and store them away until fall.
Then fill your feeders with fresh seed.
Make notes as you watch the spring show.
Some of your spring bulbs should be starting to flower.
Plant new perennials and cold-hardy annuals.
Freshlyplanted perennials need a little timeto get settled and grow new roots before hot summer weather hits.
For some quick garden color, add a few cool-season annuals, likepansiesorsnapdragons.
They also work well incontainers, where they’ll brighten your front porch.
Add new trees and shrubs.
Plant as soon as the ground is no longer frozen.
Once you’re finished planting,add a fresh layer of mulcharound all your new plants.
If you mulch now, before weeds have a chance to sprout,you’ll have next-to-no weedingcome summer.
It’s also time to get planting in earnest to fill out your garden.
Shop for summer annuals.
Pick out flats of yourfavorite summer annuals, likepetunias,impatiens, andzinnias.
Choose plants that aren’t yet in bloom, because they’ll be stronger.
Use this spring gardening checklist, and you’ll have one of the best-looking yards on the block.
