Early Spring Gardening Tasks: How to Wake Up Your Garden the Right Way

Early Spring Gardening Chores

Wait for the right conditions: Avoid walking on soggy soil, which can compact and damage plant roots. If you must enter wet areas, use stepping stones or boards.

Correct frost damage: Gently press frost-heaved plants back into the soil to protect roots.

Preserve beneficial insects: Delay leaf and debris removal until temperatures consistently reach 50°F or higher. Many insects overwinter in garden debris.

Pick up winter debris: Start by gathering fallen branches and sticks, giving you a clear view of how plants survived the winter.

Rake carefully: Begin with early bloomers so they can poke through the soil without damage.

Prune and clip: Remove old leaves from hellebores and epimediums. Cut back ornamental grasses before new growth begins, leaving 8–12 inches above the crown. Remove broken rose canes. Wait to prune spring-blooming shrubs until after flowering. See the Almanac’s When to Prune What Guide.

Divide overgrown perennials: Early spring is ideal for dividing and moving perennials before buds and leaves emerge.

Weed control: Remove early weeds before they get established—they are easier to manage now.

Soil testing: Test your soil in early spring to determine which amendments are needed before planting. See my tips on how to take a soil test.

Early vegetable planting: Cold-hardy crops like peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, beets, and chard can be planted once the soil is ready. Use local planting guides or check soil temperature (e.g., peas need at least 45°F to germinate). See the Almanac’s best planting dates by zip code.

Pot summer bulbs: Give begonias and other summer-flowering bulbs a head start indoors or in protected areas.

By following these early spring gardening tips, you’ll protect your plants, soil, and beneficial insects while setting yourself up for a productive and beautiful garden all season long.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to start spring garden cleanup?

Wait until soil is no longer soggy and daytime temperatures consistently reach 50°F or higher. This protects plants and overwintering insects.

Why shouldn’t I clean up leaves and debris too early?

Many beneficial insects overwinter in garden debris. Early cleanup can harm these important pollinators and pest controllers.

Can I plant vegetables in early spring?

Yes! Cold-hardy crops like peas, spinach, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, and chard can be planted once soil temperatures are appropriate.

Should I prune my shrubs and perennials now?

Remove broken branches and old leaves. Wait to prune spring-blooming shrubs until after flowering. Ornamental grasses should be cut before new growth emerges.

Is early spring a good time to divide perennials?

Yes. Dividing perennials before buds and leaves emerge minimizes stress on the plants and encourages healthy growth.

Should I test my soil in early spring?

Yes, testing now gives you guidance on which amendments to add before planting, ensuring optimal growth.

For more gardening chores, see the Almanac’s “Gardening Tips & Tasks by Month” for five different regions.

See more about spring-cleaning the garden, especially if your zone is further along!