As winter fades and the promise of spring emerges, gardeners eagerly anticipate the opportunity to return to their outdoor sanctuaries. February and March mark the early months of preparation, offering a crucial window to lay the groundwork for a thriving garden season ahead. Here are essential steps to ready your garden during these transitional months:

• Assess Your Garden Space: Take a stroll through your garden area to observe signs of winter damage, such as broken branches or compacted soil. Note areas that require attention and plan accordingly.

• Soil Preparation: Focus on soil health by testing pH levels and amending as necessary. Incorporate organic matter like compost to improve soil structure and fertility.

• Pruning and Trimming: Use the dormant season to prune trees, shrubs, and perennials. Remove dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth.

• Plan Your Garden Layout: Sketch out a garden layout considering sun exposure, plant spacing, and companion planting. Planning ahead streamlines the planting process later.

• Start Seeds Indoors: Begin sowing seeds indoors for plants requiring a longer growing season. Provide adequate light, warmth, and moisture for strong seedling growth.

• Protect Against Frost: Be prepared to protect tender plants from unexpected frosts by covering them with frost blankets or row covers.

• Clean and Maintain Tools: Clean, sharpen, and maintain gardening tools to ensure efficiency and longevity. Remove dirt, rust, and debris and oil moving parts.

• DO NOT REMOVE OR CLEAN UP DEBRIS: Chrysalides still cling to last season’s dried standing plant material. While you may begin to see bumble bees and ground-nesting bees emerge as flowering trees and shrubs burst into bloom, they still need cover during chilly nights and heavy spring showers. While mining bees, mason bees, carpenter bees, and bumble bees may be out and about by early April, other species such as sweat bees are still hiding out, waiting for the warmer days that arrive in May. Meanwhile, last year’s leaf litter is still providing protection for both plants and invertebrates against late-season frosts.

Embrace the opportunity to prepare your garden for the coming season. By assessing your space, preparing the soil, pruning plants, planning your layout, starting seeds indoors, protecting against frost, and maintaining your tools, you set the stage for a successful gardening experience. With thoughtful preparation, your garden will flourish and thrive in the months ahead.

Happy gardening!