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Spring Cleaning Your Garden: When and How to Do It Right

As the days grow longer and temperatures start to rise, your garden slowly begins to wake from its winter slumber. Spring is the perfect time to refresh your outdoor space, get your hands dirty, and prepare your garden for a season of growth and beauty. But before you start planting, a thorough spring clean is essential.

In this guide, we’ll cover when to start and how to tackle your spring garden cleanup efficiently.

When Should You Spring Clean Your Garden?

The best time to start spring cleaning your garden is when:

  • The soil is no longer frozen or soggy.
  • Daytime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F (10°C).
  • New growth is beginning to emerge.

This typically falls between late March and early May, depending on your local climate. If you clean too early, you risk damaging overwintering insects and early-emerging pollinators. If you wait too long, weeds and pests might get a head start.

Pro Tip: A good sign it’s time? When daffodils and crocuses start blooming, nature is telling you it’s go-time.

How to Spring Clean Your Garden: Step-by-Step

1. Start with a Walk-Through

Take a slow walk around your garden. Note any winter damage, dead plants, or areas that are especially weedy. Make a list so you can prioritize.

2. Clear Out Debris (But Be Gentle)

Remove leaves, twigs, and fallen branches, but avoid stripping everything too early. Beneficial insects like ladybugs and butterflies may still be sheltering in old plant material.

  • Use a rake or your hands to gently lift debris.
  • Leave some leaf litter in out-of-the-way areas for pollinators.

3. Cut Back Dead Growth

Trim back dead stems and foliage on perennials and ornamental grasses once you see new growth emerging. This helps redirect energy into fresh shoots.

  • Use clean, sharp pruners to avoid damaging plants.
  • Compost healthy cuttings; discard diseased material.

4. Weed Thoroughly

Spring is a prime time to attack weeds while they’re still young and manageable.

  • Pull weeds by the roots.
  • Add mulch afterward to suppress regrowth.

5. Refresh Garden Beds

  • Edge borders for a clean look.
  • Turn the soil lightly to aerate and incorporate compost.
  • Test soil pH if you haven’t recently—adjust as needed.

6. Check Tools and Equipment

Clean and sharpen your garden tools. A quick maintenance session can extend their life and make gardening easier and safer.

  • Oil wooden handles.
  • Sharpen blades.
  • Clean rust off metal parts.

7. Divide and Transplant Perennials

Spring is a great time to divide overgrown clumps of perennials like hostas or daylilies. It’s also perfect for transplanting before plants fully leaf out.

8. Plan and Prep for Planting

Start thinking about your planting schedule:

  • Direct sow cool-season veggies like peas, lettuce, and radishes.
  • Start seeds indoors for warm-weather crops.
  • Shop for annuals and perennials once the last frost date has passed.

Bonus: Be Kind to Wildlife

Leave a corner of your garden a little wild to support bees, birds, and beneficial insects. Avoid pesticides early in the season when pollinators are especially vulnerable.

Spring garden cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about setting the stage for a thriving growing season. With a little planning and elbow grease, your garden will be healthier, more productive, and ready to burst into life.

So grab your gloves, shake off the winter cobwebs, and welcome the growing season with a fresh start.

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