With the snow slowly melting and the birds chirping again, it’s time for gardening enthusiasts to start preparing for the season ahead. 

While early spring may still be too chilly to begin planting, there’s no shortage of things to prep. Picking out seeds, sharpening your equipment, and checking in on your perennials will help get you started.

Take advantage of this time to organize your green space and get excited about the warmer days ahead.

1. Plan out your garden 

Before you get your hands dirty, it's helpful to—quite literally—draw up a plan for your garden. Map out where you intend to plant your flowers and veggies, taking care to consider crop rotation for best results. Then, order your seeds and plants ahead of time from your local nursery and plan out when you’ll bring them into your outdoor garden. 
 

2. Start seedlings indoors

Early spring is the ideal time to start indoor seedlings so that you have plants ready to transplant by the time the weather warms up. Use a loose potting mix and ensure your seedlings have a good light source. Make sure your plants have good drainage to avoid overwatering or mould.

Best vegetables to start indoors:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Eggplant
• Celery
• Lettuce
• Cabbage

Best annuals to start indoors:

• Petunias
• Begonias
• Impatiens

3. Check in on your garden tools 

Before the season fully begins, check in on your gardening equipment. Take a peek at the condition of your pots, tubs, and containers, and sharpen your pruning shears and rakes. This is also a good time to prepare stakes and cages for tomato plants and other climbing vegetables.
 

4. Protect plants from melting snow

If you placed protective covers on your plants over the winter, be sure to adjust them as the weather warms up. Gently shake snow off fragile shrubs and inspect your perennials for signs of springtime revival. 
 

5. Start composting

If you have an outdoor compost, early spring is the best time to aerate it and make sure it’s ready to receive spring green waste. Stir the compost to activate decomposition, then add materials rich in nitrogen—including fruit and vegetable scraps and coffee grounds—and carbon—such as dead leaves and unprinted paper. Make sure your compost isn’t too dry nor too wet.

6. Prune fruit trees and shrubs

As soon as the weather is milder, you can start caring for your fruit-bearing plants. Inspect your plants for dead or diseased branches, prune trees before the sap rises, and check the condition of current planters.
 

7. Prepare your lawn 

Once the snow has melted, assess the condition of your lawn and plan for its spring maintenance, from aeration to fertilization to seeding. 

8. Head to your local nursery 

If you want to create a new flower bed, add a growing container or renovate your green space, now is the time to get everything together. Visit local nurseries or shop online for gardening supplies. Consider eco-friendly solutions like raised beds, balcony greenhouses or vertical gardens.

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