Spring Planting Tips

Spring is the busiest — and most rewarding — time of year in the garden. A little planning now pays off all season long. Here are the tips we give every client.

1. Wait for the soil, not the calendar

It’s tempting to plant on the first warm weekend, but cold, soggy soil sets plants back. A simple test: grab a handful of soil and squeeze. If it crumbles apart, you’re good to go. If it holds together in a wet clump, give it another week.

2. Start with healthy soil

• Mix in 2–3 inches of compost before planting anything new.
• Re-edge your beds and refresh mulch to lock in moisture and block weeds.
• Skip the heavy fertilizer on new plantings — let roots establish first.

3. Choose plants that fit your yard

Right plant, right place saves you work for years. Sun-lovers like coneflowers and black-eyed Susans need 6+ hours of direct light; hostas and ferns are happier in shade. When in doubt, native plants are the lowest-maintenance choice — they’re already adapted to your climate.

4. Water deep, not often

New plantings need consistent moisture for their first few weeks, but the goal is deep, infrequent watering that trains roots to grow down. A good soak two or three times a week beats a light sprinkle every day.

5. Give everything room to grow

That tiny shrub won’t stay tiny. Check the mature size on the plant tag and space accordingly — crowded beds lead to disease and a lot of extra pruning down the road.

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Want a hand getting your beds ready this spring? Get in touch and we’ll put together a planting plan for your yard.