With winter fading and warmer days ahead, it’s time to prepare the garden for a new season of growth. Whether growing vegetables, flowers, or landscaping plants, early spring preparation sets the stage for a lush and productive garden. Taking a few key steps now will ensure strong, healthy plants all season long. Here’s how to get started!

Assess Your Garden Space

Before you grab your shovel, take a few minutes to assess your garden space. Are there leftover weeds from last season? Do you need to refresh the soil? Thinking about expanding the garden, adding raised beds, or trying a new crop? Mapping out ideas now ensures a smooth start to the season. A simple soil test can also provide valuable insight into the health of the soil and what amendments might be needed before planting begins.

Clear Out and Clean Up

A clean garden is a productive garden. Removing dead plants, leaves, and weeds left over from last season helps prevent disease and pests from taking hold. If perennials were left standing through the winter, now is the time to cut back dead growth and encourage fresh new shoots. Weeds should also be tackled early before they have a chance to spread; adding a layer of mulch after planting can help suppress future weed growth.

Revitalize the Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. After months of exposure to winter weather, soil can lose essential nutrients. Adding Coast of Maine Black Earth Lawn Soil helps improve moisture retention and boosts soil structure for better plant growth. If soil tests show high acidity, applying Pelleted Lime can help balance pH levels, making nutrients more available to plants. For best results, lime should be worked into the top few inches of soil before planting.

Check and Sharpen Tools

Gardening is much easier with the right tools in top shape. Before the season gets into full swing, it’s a good idea to check hand tools, pruners, and shovels for any wear and tear. Cleaning off rust, sharpening blades, and oiling wooden handles will extend the life of your tools and make garden work more efficient.

Feed Plants for Strong Growth

Early spring is the ideal time to give your garden a nutritional boost. 15-15-15 Fertilizer provides a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support strong root development, healthy foliage, and vibrant blooms. Applying fertilizer before planting ensures that nutrients are readily available when seedlings take root. Throughout the season, additional feeding may be needed depending on the type of plants being grown.

Start Seeds Indoors

For those eager to get a jump-start on the season, starting seeds indoors is a great option. Cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and kale can often be planted directly outdoors, but warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers benefit from being started indoors before transplanting outside. Using seed trays with a high-quality potting mix and placing them in a sunny window or under grow lights will produce strong seedlings ready for transplanting in just a few weeks.

Set Up a Reliable Watering System

Consistent watering is one of the most important factors in a successful garden. The Swan Water Hose is built for durability, with kink resistance and heavyweight reinforcement to handle high water pressure. To simplify watering tasks, the EZ-Flow 2-Way Control Valve allows multiple watering sources to be managed at once — perfect for keeping garden beds hydrated while also using a hose for other outdoor chores. A soaker hose or drip irrigation system can also be a great investment for gardens, helping to deliver water directly to plant roots while reducing waste.

Mulch and Edge for a Polished Look

A layer of mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, giving plants the best possible growing conditions. For flower beds and landscaping areas, a fresh layer of mulch adds a finished look and enhances curb appeal. Taking the time to edge garden beds now will help keep them tidy throughout the season.

The arrival of spring brings endless possibilities for your garden, and preparation is key to success. Whether it’s soil amendments, fertilizers, tools, or watering equipment, Stockdale’s has all the essentials to help gardens flourish.

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