Garden Preparation for Spring in NC: 10 Must Do’s

Okay, before we start, let’s settle this question first: when to prepare your garden for spring? The answer actually depends on the local climate and frost dates. Generally speaking, in North Carolina, we recommend starting cool-season vegetables in early spring and warm-season vegetables in April.

Flowers, on the other hand, should be planted in mid-April. You can also plant trees and shrubs in early spring. The cold weather allows them to get accustomed to the new environment before the heat of summer settles in.

Stay on the lookout for signs like soil that is no longer frozen, budding trees, and increased daylight hours. Ideally, you should find a balance for timing, as starting spring planting too early might be counterproductive, but waiting too long will delay your planting schedule.

Pro-tip: Many of our gardeners find that creating a plan allows them to stay on track with their vision!

Preparing a garden for spring involves a lot of cleaning, believe it or not. Once you’ve updated your tools, remove weeds and plant debris that accumulated over winter. This step will help you prevent pests and diseases from lingering in your garden. You should also trim back any old growth from perennials, rake up fallen branches, and dispose of any diseased plant materials properly.

Pro-tip: Get rid of weed seeds before they germinate by burning the weeds!

If you have a hardscaping project in mind that you couldn’t complete in winter, now is the perfect time to do it. Whether you want to add retaining walls, fencing, garden paths, or a concrete patio, consult with professional contractors for a plan to ensure that any project is finished before planting season. This will not only leave your yard ready to be enjoyed in summer, but also next spring!

Late winter and early spring are the ideal times for pruning dormant trees and shrubs before they begin their growth cycle. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth and improve air circulation. However, before you start trimming away, be mindful of flowering plants—some, like lilacs, should be pruned after they bloom to avoid removing flower buds.

Pro-tip: Add fertilizer to the soil after pruning! This will provide the trees and shrubs with much-needed nutrients to grow healthily!

Prep garden beds by clearing out old plant debris, weeds, and leftover mulch. Loosen the soil with a garden fork to improve drainage and aeration. If necessary, add fresh compost to enrich the soil with nutrients before planting new crops or flowers.

Pro-tip: Throw the old growth into a compost bin!

Mulching helps keep the soil moist, suppressing weeds, and protecting the soil from summer heat. So, it’s essential to provide your garden with a good layer of organic mulch. There are many options to choose from, including wood chips, grass clippings, straw, or shredded leaves. Spread the mulch of your preference around trees, shrubs, and garden beds.

Pro-tip: Avoid piling mulch directly against plant stems to prevent rot.

As we mentioned before, in North Carolina, you can get a head start on your garden by planting cold-hardy vegetables. Crops like lettuce, spinach, peas, and kale can tolerate early spring temperatures. If you’re starting your seedlings indoors, ensure they receive proper light and warmth before transplanting them outdoors.

Pro-tips: Go to your favorite garden centers with time and create your garden journal to stay organized when planting! If you have already purchased products before, remember that many seeds can stay alive for years, so you can save time and money by reusing them.