wheelbarrow for spring planting

April showers might bring May flowers, but you have to plant them first. Prepare your garden in early spring so you can enjoy blooms and veggies later in the season. This guide will walk you through every step, from planning to irrigation. So, grab your gardening tools and dig in!

Map and Build

If this is your first garden in your yard or you want to change things up, map your layout. Aspects you should consider:

• Sun exposure: Many plants need full sun, so avoid placing them in a shady spot.
• Spacing: Don’t make your seedlings compete for soil and nutrients. Think about how large they’ll become at full growth.
• Companions: While your plants shouldn’t be too cozy in their beds, some make good partners. Beets and lettuce and tomatoes and thyme are good pairings – in salads and in the garden. See more recommended companions.

Raised garden beds give you better control over soil quality, drainage and temperature. Featured: AMES 7-tine Floral Level Rake

Your garden map might include above-ground elements like raised garden beds, new pots and trellises. Build them now for your planting later in the spring.

Clean Your Tools

Chances are your gardening tools have sat idle since the fall, so they’ll probably need some attention before you can put them to work again.

Start by removing any dirt that you can brush off. To get rid of any caked-on soil and debris, wet your tools with a mixture of dish soap and water. Scrub them and allow them to dry completely.

Next, use a diluted bleach solution (nine parts water to one part bleach) to sanitize each tool. Dry them again before rubbing with mineral oil. Let them totally dry one more time before you begin gardening. Some tools could also need sharpening, especially your shears and spades. A mill file will hone those edges so you can prune and dig with ease.

Prepare the Soil and Irrigate

We know you’re eager to embed your seeds and bulbs, but if the ground isn’t ready, your plants might not thrive. Invest in a low-cost soil testing kit to see if your soil requires any added nutrients. Your own compost or a bag of purchased fertilizer could make all the difference.

A sprinkler system doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. AMES Spike-Style Lawn Sprinkler is compatible with a standard garden hose.

Set up your garden’s irrigation system as the last step before planting. This can look different for everyone. Maybe you like to use a hose to strategically water your plants. Or you prefer to collect rainwater, or you’re a busy person who wants an automated sprinkler system. It’s up to you – choose one, two or all three methods in combination. Just don’t overwater.

Plant Flowers and Vegetables

Finally, it’s planting time! Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find out which zone you live in. That will help you when you’re shopping for seed packets. Most of them mention zones in their instructions, so you can plant at the optimal time for your climate.

Generally, you’ll find a variety of flowers and vegetables that do well in early spring. Some favorites in the floral family are zinnias, black-eyed susans, marigolds. They’ll mature between 45 and 90 days after planting, just in time for your spring and summer outdoor parties.

A wheeled caddy makes transporting potted plants less of a chore.

Many vegetables, especially root veggies, can tolerate chilly temperatures (and some actually prefer them to the heat). We’re talking beets, radishes, carrots, turnips, spinach, lettuce and kale. Plant these now so you can serve a beautiful salad you grew yourself this summer.

Protect your new seedlings from pests and weeds by taking action now. Apply pre-emergent herbicides sparingly in late March or early April. Mulch can also help with the prevention of weed growth, and it can insulate plants from extreme temperature changes while keeping moisture in. Shredded leaves, wood chips and straw all make for good mulch. Spread it on your garden beds, raised or not, as soon as you’ve planted.

Early spring is a great time to get to work in your garden. It’s not hot yet, many flowers and vegetables thrive now and you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor in the middle of the summer.