My Full Spring Garden Checklist to Plan & Prep Your Garden

This is my full spring garden checklist with tried-and-true tips on how to get your garden ready for spring easily without feeling like a chore. Take it one step at a time, sip some iced coffee while you plan, and don’t stress if things aren’t perfect. Early spring gardens, like life, are a work in progress! Before you know it, you’ll be surrounded by fresh blooms, thriving veggies, and the satisfaction of knowing you gave your garden the best start possible.

Read on to find my spring garden tips and a complete spring gardening to-do list for 2025 with step-by-step instructions and tools to help you get started.

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Spring Garden Checklist to Get Your Garden Ready

Spring is my absolute favourite time of year. The sun starts peeking through, the days get longer, and—most importantly—it’s time to get our hands dirty in the garden! To me, gardening isn’t just about growing beautiful flowers or delicious veggies for my recipes. It’s also a form of therapy.

Experts agree that gardening can reduce stress, boost mood, and even lower cortisol levels. It’s basically a form of self-care that will improve well-being, mental health, and quality of life. On top of that, the University of Canada West explains that the physical activity involved, like digging, planting, and weeding, strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and boosts heart health. Yes! Getting your garden ready for spring is quite literally a low-impact workout that’s gentle on the joints, making it perfect for all fitness levels.

They also mentioned that spending time in the garden exposes you to beneficial microbes in the soil, which can support a healthier immune system. Add in the fresh air and sunshine, and you’ve got a natural way to reduce inflammation and improve overall well-being. In other words, gardening truly is a full-body (and mind) wellness routine.

But I get it. Spring garden prep can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re wondering when to prep the garden for spring or where to even start with all those weeds, dead plants, and tangled vines. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. With this spring garden checklist and spring garden cleanup list, you’ll tackle garden prep like a pro so that your plants have the best possible start this season.

When to Prep Your Garden for Spring?

Spring is knocking, but don’t grab that shovel just yet! Timing is everything when it comes to spring garden prep. If you start too soon, you’ll end up wrestling with cold, soggy soil. Wait too long, and you’ll be playing catch-up with weeds and pests. So, when’s the perfect time to start?

Check Your Climate Zone First

Not all gardens wake up at the same time. Spring prep depends on where you live.

Zone 3-5 (Cold Climates): Hold your horses! Wait until the snow melts and the soil dries. Mid-to-late March or April is your sweet spot.
Zone 6-7 (Mild Winters): You can start prepping in late February to early March. The ground is warming up, and the frost is fading.
Zone 8-10 (Warm Climates): Lucky you! Spring garden prep can begin as early as January. Just watch for unexpected cold snaps.

Keep in mind that your soil tells you when to prep your garden for spring! All you have to do is grab a handful of soil and squeeze. If water drips out, it’s too wet. You can also poke the ground with a trowel. If it’s rock-hard, it’s too frozen. Crumbly and loose? Perfect! You’re good to go.

Remember, if you jump in while the soil is too wet, you’ll compact it. That makes it harder for roots to grow. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!

Last but not least, watch the last frost date. Even if your soil is ready, a late frost can ruin tender plants. Check the average last frost date in your area before planting anything delicate. A simple trick? Plant cold-hardy crops first (like spinach, kale, and carrots). Save the heat-lovers (like tomatoes and peppers) for later.

Now, let’s get into the spring garden checklist!

My To-Do List to Get Your Garden Ready for Spring

1. Spring Garden Cleanup List

Before you start planting in spring, it’s time for a spring garden cleanup. Winter leaves behind debris, dead plants, and hidden pests—all things that can cause trouble if left alone. So grab your gloves, and let’s get to work!

Remove Dead Plants, Leaves, and Weeds

Winter might be over, but its mess still lingers. Dead plants and soggy leaves create a breeding ground for fungi and pests. Rake them up and clear garden beds to prevent diseases before they start.

P.S. Pull weeds before they go to seed. It’s easier now than in summer!

Cut Back Perennials and Trim Shrubs

Not all plants need a spring haircut, but many do! Trim back perennials like daylilies and coneflowers to encourage fresh growth. Shrubs also need shaping. Just avoid cutting early bloomers like lilacs, or you’ll lose this season’s flowers.

When getting your garden ready for spring, always use sharp, clean pruners to prevent plant damage.

Clean and Sharpen Garden Tools

Dull tools make gardening harder than it needs to be. Give your pruners, shovels, and trowels a spring refresh by scrubbing off rust and sharpening blades. This makes planting in spring much smoother. I also make sure to wipe metal tools with vegetable oil to prevent rust.

Compost Old Plant Material

I have recently added this to my spring gardening to-do list, and it’s so worth it! Turn last year’s leftovers into this year’s garden gold! Instead of tossing leaves and dead plants, add them to your compost bin. This creates rich, organic matter to fuel your garden all season long. Spring preparation done right means less waste and healthier soil.

BONUS: Clean and Set Up Bird Feeders & Birdbaths

This isn’t a “must” addition to your spring garden checklist, but it definitely helps. Birds help with natural pest control by eating insects like aphids and caterpillars. Setting up feeders and keeping a freshwater source attracts beneficial birds while adding life to your garden.

2. Prepare the Soil

Before you start planting in spring, your soil needs some love. Healthy soil = healthy plants, so let’s get your garden beds ready for action.

Test Soil pH and Amend as Needed

Not all soil is created equal. Some are too acidic, some too alkaline, and others just need a boost of nutrients. Testing your soil helps you figure out what it needs before you start planting.

Acidic soil (pH below 6.0)? Add lime to balance it out.
Alkaline soil (pH above 7.5)? Mix in sulfur or peat moss.
Lacking nutrients? Compost, aged manure, and organic fertilizers are your best friends.

Here’s my go-to spring garden tip: You can get an affordable DIY soil test kit or send a sample to your local extension office for detailed results.

Loosen Soil and Aerate Garden Beds

After a long winter, your soil is tightly packed and suffocating. Roots need air, water, and nutrients to grow, so loosening the soil is a key step in your spring garden checklist.

Use a garden fork or tiller to break up compacted soil.
Mix in organic matter like compost to boost fertility.
Avoid over-tilling, which can disturb beneficial microbes.

If your soil is still wet from winter, wait until it crumbles in your hand before working it. Otherwise, you’ll create rock-hard clumps that stunt plant growth.

Apply Mulch to Retain Moisture & Regulate Temperature

Mulch is quite like a cozy blanket for your garden—it locks in moisture, keeps weeds away, and protects against extreme temperature swings. Early spring gardens especially benefit from a fresh layer of mulch.

Best mulch options? Shredded leaves, straw, bark chips, or compost.
How much to apply? 2-3 inches around plants, but keep it away from stems to prevent rot.

When you are getting your garden ready for spring, the cleverest idea is to mulch now, and you’ll water less, weed less, and stress less later!

3. Planning and Planting in Spring (What to Grow Now)

Let’s move on to everyone’s favourite part of the garden prep for spring checklist!

Cool-Season Crops

Not all veggies can handle chilly spring mornings, but cool-season crops thrive in them. These plants love the mild temperatures of early spring and can even survive a light frost. If you want to maximize your harvest, these should be the first seeds in your garden prep for spring.

Lettuce – One of the easiest greens to grow! Sow seeds directly into the soil as soon as it’s workable. For a steady supply, plant new seeds every two weeks.
Spinach – This leafy green loves cool weather and grows fast. Plant it in early spring, and you’ll be harvesting tender leaves within a month.
Kale – A true powerhouse, kale thrives in spring and even tolerates frost. It gets sweeter when exposed to a little chill, making it perfect for an early spring garden.
Carrots – These root veggies take a bit longer to grow, but planting in spring gives them plenty of time to develop. For best results, plant directly in loose, well-aerated soil so the roots can grow straight.

Spring garden tip: Cover your seedlings with a floating row cover on extra chilly nights to protect them from late frosts.

Spring Flowers for Early Blooms

A garden without flowers is like spring without sunshine—dull and incomplete! Getting your garden ready for spring means planting flowers that can handle unpredictable weather. These hardy bloomers will brighten up your space before summer flowers take over.

Pansies – These little beauties can survive chilly nights and even light frost. Their vibrant colours bring life to flower beds, window boxes, and containers.
Daffodils – If you planted bulbs in the fall, your daffodils will be popping up now. If not, grab some potted ones at a garden center and plant them for instant spring colour.
Tulips – Another fall-planted favourite, tulips bring classic spring charm. If you missed planting them last year, look for pre-grown ones and transplant them into your garden.

Here’s one of my favourite spring preparation hacks: Want more blooms next year? Mark where your bulbs are now so you remember to plant new ones in the fall!

Herbs to Start Early

Spring is the perfect time to start hardy herbs that don’t mind a little chill. These herbs are great for both garden beds and containers, making them an easy addition to your spring garden checklist.

Parsley – This vitamin-rich herb takes a while to grow, so start it early. It’s a biennial, meaning it can survive winter and grow again next spring.
Chives – One of the easiest herbs to grow! Chives are perennial, so plant them once and they’ll come back every year. Plus, their purple flowers attract pollinators.
Thyme – This low-maintenance herb loves well-drained soil and full sun. Once established, it’s drought-resistant and keeps producing year after year.

For more great spring garden tips, check out my full herb garden for beginners guide.

P.S. I have a clever gardening to-do list tip that seems obvious, but most folks rarely think about it! Plant herbs in pots near your kitchen door for easy snipping while cooking!

4. Take Care of Your Lawn & Outdoor Spaces

A garden isn’t just about plants. It’s about the whole outdoor space. After winter, your lawn, pathways, and furniture need some love before they’re ready for spring. A little effort now means you’ll have a lush, inviting yard to enjoy all season long. Let’s break it down.

Rake Debris, Dethatch, and Aerate the Lawn

Winter leaves behind a messy lawn, and ignoring it can lead to patchy grass and poor growth. The first step in your spring garden checklist is to clear out debris like dead leaves, twigs, and leftover snow mold.

Once your lawn is clean, check for thatch buildup—that spongy layer of dead grass and roots that blocks water and nutrients. If it’s more than half an inch thick, use a dethatching rake or power dethatcher to break it up.

Next, it’s time to aerate. Over the winter, the soil becomes compacted, making it harder for grass roots to breathe. Aerating the lawn creates small holes, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the soil. If your yard is small, a manual aerator works fine. For bigger lawns, rent a core aerator for faster results.

*Spring garden tip: Aerate when the soil is moist but not soggy for the best results.

Overseed Bald Patches and Apply Organic Fertilizer

Bald spots in the lawn? No problem! Overseeding in early spring fills in thin areas and keeps your grass looking full. Choose a grass seed mix suited to your climate and spread it evenly over bare patches. Lightly rake the area so the seeds make good contact with the soil.

After seeding, feed your lawn with an organic fertilizer or compost. This gives grass the nutrients it needs to grow strong without relying on synthetic chemicals.

If you are a beginner, this garden prep for spring tip should be added to your notes: Water newly seeded areas lightly and frequently to keep the soil moist until germination.

Clean Pathways, Fences, and Garden Furniture

Your plants aren’t the only thing that needs a refresh! My spring garden checklist includes sprucing up your outdoor space so everything looks fresh and inviting.

Power wash patios and walkways to remove dirt and moss buildup.
Check fences for damage and repaint or reseal if needed.
Scrub garden furniture to remove winter grime so it’s ready for sunny days.

This final step in getting the garden ready for spring makes your outdoor space feel polished and ready for gatherings. After all, what’s the point of a beautiful garden if you don’t have a cozy spot to sit and enjoy it?

5. Pest & Weed Control

You’ve cleaned up, prepped the soil, and started planting in spring. Now it’s time to protect your hard work! Weeds and pests can wreak havoc if you don’t stay ahead of them. The best strategy? Prevention. Let’s go over simple, natural ways to keep your garden healthy and thriving without relying on harsh chemicals.

Identify Common Spring Garden Pests & Keep Them Away Naturally

Springtime brings warmer weather and hungry pests. If you want to keep your plants safe, start by knowing your enemies.

Aphids – These tiny green, black, or red insects suck the sap from plants, weakening them. To fix it naturally, just spray plants with a mix of water, dish soap, and neem oil. Introduce ladybugs—they love eating aphids!
Slugs & Snails – They munch on tender leaves, especially in damp gardens. Keep them out by sprinkling crushed eggshells, coffee grounds, or diatomaceous earth around plants. Slugs hate crawling over sharp surfaces!
Cutworms – These caterpillars chew through seedlings at the base, killing them overnight. Block them by placing a cardboard collar around young plants to stop them from reaching the stems.
Japanese Beetles – These shiny beetles devour flowers, leaves, and vegetables. The good news is that you can trap them! Knock them into soapy water in the morning when they’re sluggish. Try planting garlic or chives nearby to repel them.

Apply Mulch to Suppress Weeds Early

Nothing ruins a spring garden cleanup list like a sudden weed invasion. Weeds steal water, nutrients, and sunlight from your plants. The best way to get ahead of them? Mulch!

Spread 2–3 inches of mulch around plants to block sunlight, stopping weeds before they start.
Use organic mulch like shredded bark, straw, or grass clippings, which break down and enrich the soil over time.
For extra protection, lay cardboard or newspaper under mulch to smother weeds even further.

Consider Companion Planting for Natural Pest Control

Want to keep pests away without chemicals? Add companion planting to your spring garden checklist. This is a commonly used method where certain plants help each other grow and deter unwanted bugs.

Marigolds + Tomatoes – Marigolds repel aphids, nematodes, and whiteflies, keeping tomato plants safe.
Garlic + Roses – Garlic wards off aphids and Japanese beetles, protecting your flowers.
Basil + Peppers – Basil deters thrips, flies, and mosquitoes while making peppers taste even better.
Nasturtiums + Squash – Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, attracting pests like aphids and keeping them off your veggies.

6. Essential Garden Tools & Supplies for Spring

A well-prepped garden starts with the right tools. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, having the right equipment makes gardening easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Let’s go over the must-have tools and supplies for a smooth and successful spring garden checklist.

Pruners – Sharp bypass pruners help you trim dead branches, shape shrubs, and cut flowers. Invest in a high-quality pair for cleaner cuts and healthier plants.
Gardening Gloves – A sturdy pair of gloves protects your hands from thorns, blisters, and dirt. Look for breathable, waterproof gloves with a good grip.
Hoe – A hoe is a weeding and soil-loosening lifesaver. Use a Dutch hoe for surface weeds or a draw hoe for breaking up tougher soil.
Watering Can or Hose – A durable watering can with a gentle spout prevents seedlings from washing away. For larger gardens, use a hose with an adjustable spray nozzle.
Garden Fork & Spade – A fork aerates compact soil, while a spade helps dig planting holes and move compost. Choose stainless steel for durability.
Hand Trowel & Weeder – A hand trowel is perfect for transplanting seedlings, while a weeder helps remove deep-rooted weeds with ease.

In addition to tools, a few key supplies help nourish your garden and set you up for a bountiful season.

Compost Bin – A compost bin turns kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer. If you don’t have one yet, spring is the perfect time to start!
Organic Fertilizers – Give your plants a natural boost with compost, fish emulsion, worm castings, or aged manure. Avoid synthetic fertilizers that harm soil health over time.
Raised Garden Beds – If you have poor soil or drainage issues, raised beds improve airflow, prevent compaction, and make gardening easier—especially for beginners.
Mulch – Organic mulch locks in moisture, prevents weeds and regulates soil temperature. Straw, bark chips, or shredded leaves are all great options.

Extra Tips for Your Spring Garden Checklist

By now, your spring garden prep is in full swing! You’ve cleaned up, prepped the soil, planted new crops, and even set up pest control. But before you sit back and admire your hard work, let’s talk about a few tips I swear by. These simple tricks help maximize growth, minimize effort, and keep your garden thriving all season long.

1. Adjust Your Watering Schedule for New Plants

One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make? Watering like it’s summer. Newly planted gardens need consistent but gentle watering. Here’s how I keep my plants happy:

Morning is best – Water early in the day so plants have time to absorb moisture before the sun evaporates it.
Deep, infrequent watering – Instead of frequent light watering, soak the soil deeply to encourage strong root growth.
Mulch is your best friend – A layer of mulch locks in moisture, reduces evaporation, and prevents weeds. It’s a must-have on my spring garden checklist.

DIY trick: Use a soaker hose for slow, deep watering—your plants will thank you!

2. Encourage Pollinators with Native Plants

No pollinators = no garden! Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds help your plants produce more flowers and fruit. Here’s how I attract them naturally:

Plant native flowers – Native plants bloom at the right time for local pollinators. Some of my favourites include milkweed, bee balm, and coneflowers.
Skip the pesticides – Harsh chemicals harm pollinators. Instead, use natural methods like companion planting to keep pests away.
Provide a water source – A small dish of water with pebbles gives bees a safe place to land and drink.
Grow in clusters – Pollinators prefer big patches of colour over single scattered plants. A grouping of flowers makes your garden more inviting!

3. Keep a Garden Journal to Track Progress

This is a life-saving spring garden tip, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener. Tracking what works and what doesn’t helps improve your garden year after year.

Always record what you plant. Note the date, variety, and location of each plant. It helps with crop rotation and spacing for the next season.
Also, track weather patterns. Spring can be unpredictable. Keeping notes on frost dates, rainfall, and temperature shifts helps plan future gardens.
Don’t forget to document pest issues when they come up. Noticed aphids in April? Slugs in May? Writing it down helps you stay ahead of problems next year.
Lastly, take photos! – Seeing how your garden changes over time is not only helpful but super satisfying. Plus, it makes for great before-and-after inspiration!

FAQs About Garden Prep For Spring

How to Create a Spring Garden?

Start by choosing a sunny location with well-draining soil. Clear out weeds, dead plants, and debris to prepare the space. Test and amend the soil with compost or organic fertilizers to boost nutrients. Plan your layout, grouping plants by sunlight and water needs. Finally, plant cool-season crops, flowers, and herbs, then mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

What Is a Gardener’s Daily Routine?

A gardener’s routine includes checking plants for pests, disease, or signs of stress. They water in the morning, adjusting for weather conditions and plant needs. Weeding and mulching help maintain soil health and prevent unwanted growth. Regular pruning, deadheading, and harvesting encourage healthy plant growth. Lastly, they observe and adjust garden care based on seasonal changes.

What Happens in the Garden in Spring?

In spring, plants wake up from dormancy, and new growth begins. The soil warms up, making it ideal for planting early vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Pollinators like bees and butterflies return, helping with fruit and vegetable production. Weeds and pests become more active, requiring early control measures. Gardeners prepare beds, fertilize, and start succession planting for a continuous harvest.

What Plants to Put in Spring?

Plant cool-season vegetables like lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, and peas early in spring. For flowers, choose pansies, daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and primroses for early blooms. Herbs like parsley, chives, thyme, and cilantro thrive in cool weather. Later in the season, start tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers indoors or under covers. Consider native plants and pollinator-friendly flowers to support biodiversity.

How Do I Prepare My Garden for Spring Planting?

Follow this spring garden checklist for a thriving garden:

Clear out debris – Remove dead plants, leaves, and weeds.
Loosen and enrich the soil – Turn over garden beds, aerate, and add compost or organic matter.
Test and amend the soil – Adjust pH and nutrient levels based on test results.
Mulch and weed prevention – Apply mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Start planting – Direct sow cool-season crops and transplant hardy plants first.

This Was My Full Guide to Getting the Garden Ready for Spring

Ultimately, by getting your garden ready for spring you are setting yourself up for success. Early spring garden prep helps plants establish strong roots, keeps pests under control, and ensures a healthier, more abundant garden. Plus, gardening itself is incredibly beneficial for both mental and physical health. It provides a full-body workout, improves flexibility, and even strengthens the immune system thanks to beneficial microbes in the soil. Sure, at first, it might seem like a lot of work, but if you follow this spring garden checklist, you’ll see for yourself how easy planting in spring can really be.