Spring is a season of renewal and growth, making it the perfect time to get your yard ready for the warmer months ahead. With some careful planning and preparation, you can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful oasis.
In this post, we’ll provide you with some practical tips for getting your yard ready for spring, from cleaning up debris and pruning shrubs to testing soil pH levels and planting new flowers. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, these tips will help you create a beautiful and thriving outdoor space that you can enjoy all season long.
1. Know your weather.
Three weeks ago it was 80 degrees and I was ready to get out there and do some yard work. My husband slowed down my gusto by simply stating that it was too early and we probably would get another frost. Sure enough this was my yard when we woke up Easter morning. Yard work can be hard work so make sure you don’t have to work harder..like I would’ve had to… and know the time when the weather in your area is usually past the final frost.
2. Dethatch Your Grass
When your grass is dry, rake out the dead grass leftover from winter. This helps your lawn stay healthy by removing debris and dead grass that promotes disease and pests. It helps to cut your lawn short before you do this. Check out this “how to” video from This Old House.
We like this electric dethatcher, $115 on Amazon.
3. Kills weeds in your lawn and flower beds
Be careful of your pets and kids when you lay down weed killer that could be harmful to them. One quick tip is to choose a weed killer that does not kill grass. This will cut your wait time down to do the next steps, but no matter what, follow the instructions on the weed killer bottle. Family Handyman has great advice on weeding your yard.
4. Aerate your lawn
This gives your lawn some breathing room for nutrients. The winter weather can tend to pack down your lawn so aerating allows seed and nutrients to penetrate the soil. If you have a small lawn you can do it manualy but for larger lawns you can easily rent an araetor for an afternoon. This article from HGTV can help you understand what tools you need.
We like these aerator sandals, $24.99 on Amazon.
5. Test your soil and fertilize accordingly
If you want a “sweet” lawn like your neighbors you need to test your soil and add the nutrients that your soil needs. Try to avoid doing this right before a heavy rain because it can wash everything out and reverse your hard work. Lowes gives a step by step “how to” on testing your soil here.
6. Overseed your lawn and water it well
Overseeding will fill in patches and give you that thick lawn look. Aprils showers will hopefully help out with watering. Important tip: Overseeding is different than seeding a new lawn. Seeding a new lawn should be done in the fall.
7. Prune your perennials and shrubs that are starting to bloom and grow
Good House Keeping has a great guide on when and how to prune.
8. Mulch beds to help you retain moisture when you water all spring and summer
9. Plant annuals or season appropriate plants
It really is best to do the bulk of your landscape planting in the fall, but there are plenty of plants you can plant in early spring. Don’t wait too long. Planting in the hot summer will make it harder for the plant to take root. You will have to water much more than you will in the cooler spring temperatures. This article from Better Homes and Garden gives great advice on what plants can be planted in the spring. Its always good to do your research on what is good to plant and where so take your time and ask good questions at the plant nursery.
10. Work on those hardscapes
Spring weather isn’t too hot yet and if you can find some time in between rains, getting those hardscapes ready to use in the summer weather can be a fun project in the spring.
Its fun to be outside as the weather gets warm so have fun and get those yards ready. Are you still putting your snow boots on? While you wait for your warm weather to start your spring with indoor plants.