It’s been another cold winter, and I’m looking forward to getting back into the garden. The growing season is right around the corner, and it’s not too early to get a head start on breathing some life back into your garden. Whether you are growing vegetables or flowers, now is a great time to roll up your sleeves and get the ball rolling.
Below are some things you can do now to be ready when the growing season arrives. Taking these steps now will ensure you are naturally and sustainably prepared to make your garden thrive. Let’s get our hands dirty!
Start your Spring Cleaning
Winter has a way of leaving its mark—piles of leaves and other debris. Your first task should be to wipe your canvas clean. Remove all waste material, pull up the remnants of last season’s annuals or veggies, and rake your garden beds. Be careful not to disturb any early-sprouting perennials. If you’re composting, toss the soft stuff into your pile, but skip anything woody. Tip: Leave a pile of leaves for beneficial bugs like ladybugs to forage on as they wake from their winter slumber.
Know Your Soil
A healthy garden begins with healthy soil. Spring prep is the perfect time to check the state of your soil. Winter may have changed its composition, so don’t assume it’s the same as you left it last season. Pick up a basic soil test kit from a garden center or online to measure pH and nutrient levels. Most home gardens will do best with soil that’s slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
If needed, adjust your pH naturally. If it’s too acidic, use ashes from your fireplace or crushed limestone. If it’s too alkaline, add some sulfur or pine needles to bring the soil back inline.
Add needed nutrients to your soil by mixing in compost or mature manure. Work it into the top layer of the soil with a rake and then the worms will find their way in for an assist. This is like giving your garden a healthy breakfast to begin the growing season. I love this step as it works up a good sweat and I feel I’m breathing new life into my garden.
Revive Your Compost
If you’re not composting, let this be the year you start. A good compost pile is the lifeblood of a natural garden. All that winter debris you just cleared is gold for your compost pile. Find a sunny spot near your garden for easy access. Layer in dried elements like leaves, straw, or cardboard with fresher items like grass cuttings, discarded vegetable remnants, even coffee grounds. Next, you want to keep the pile damp but not soaking wet.
If your compost pile has been sitting idle all winter, give it a good turn with a pitchfork to infuse oxygen. Generally, you should be turning your compost pile every three to four days. Seeing the steam rise from my compost pile is invigorating. I can see the cycle of life and envision the new growth that will be supported by all the waste products we produce.
Plan Your Plantings
In the Midwest, we get a lot of false springs. I use these warmer days to prepare but be careful not to plant too soon. Before you start sowing, check your area’s forecast for the last frost date. As planting season approaches, get started indoors if possible. Early-season crops like lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes can be sprouted indoors.
Make a sketch of your garden layout, taking into account where the sun is strongest and what plantings will need additional space. I’ve learned that it’s good practice to mix plantings of vegetables and flowers. This creates a beautiful garden but also helps with pest control. Placing marigolds next to tomatoes is a tried-and-true natural scheme to keep a check on pests.
Maintenance
Now is also a good time to check your tools and equipment. Inspect everything and clean, repair, and lubricate as needed. Sharpen your cutting tools with a file or stone. Sharpening your cutting tools will make your work easier and your plants happier. Preserve and lengthen the life of wooden tools by rubbing in a little linseed oil—it will keep them smooth and splinter-free. Maintenance may seem minor, but a little attention will go a long way to making your garden season more enjoyable.
Conclusion
With these tips, your garden will be ready to great spring when it arrives in earnest. Clearing debris will give you a fresh clean start. Testing soil ensures a solid foundation. Composting will feed your garden naturally. Planning provides a clear path towards a goal. And tool maintenance will make your work more enjoyable.