Do These Things Now to Have a Gorgeous Garden in Spring

Late winter and early spring are the perfect times to prep, protect, and plant for a thriving garden. From indoor micro greens to native pollinator strips and soil-boosting cover crops, these smart moves will kickstart your season with flavor, color, and sustainability.

PLANT

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Plant native pollinator strips in low traffic, under-used areas, such as driveway edges, along fence lines, the back corners of vegetable beds, or sloped side yards. Turn forgotten land into habitat with early-blooming natives like California poppy, Oregon sunshine, or Rocky Mountain penstemon.

Now is the time to tuck in edible perennials. Plant asparagus crowns, rhubarb, or artichokes throughout your landscape for added color, texture, and delicious results throughout spring.

Harness the soil health benefits of cover crops for your containers. Sow quick nitrogen fixers like crimson clover in raised beds and large pots to enrich soil before spring plantings.

Try your hand at potato towers by planting an organic mix of red, yellow, white, and blue seed potatoes in layered compost and straw. This trendy, space-saving method doubles as a fun kids’ project, and by combining early, mid, and late-season varieties, you’ll enjoy a prolonged harvest.

HARVEST

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Get a jump start on greens by growing micro varieties indoors. Cut trays of radish, pea shoots, and sunflower sprouts for a nutrient-packed winter harvest that can be blended into smoothies for an instant vitamin boost or sprinkled as a garnish over soups, grain bowls, and eggs.

Head outdoors and explore coastal areas budding with foraged flavors. Harvest young nettles with gloves and enjoy their earthy, slightly peppery, and spinach-like taste in teas and soups.

Tend your own tea garden for soothing sips. Lemon balm, chamomile, and mint are easy to grow indoors in pots, providing fresh leaves for teas and herbal remedies.

MAINTAIN

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Repot rootbound indoor plants as the days lengthen. Houseplants like monstera and pothos benefit from division, and extra cuttings can be shared with friends.

Use reclaimed gravel or decomposed granite to reset pathways. These permeable walkways prevent runoff and add habitat edges.

Harsh conditions require a little TLC for greenhouses and coldframes. Clean glass or plastic panels with a solution of mild soap and water, or for tougher spots with algae, a paste of baking soda and water, to maximize light for seedlings and houseplants.

PROTECT

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Deer and rabbits nibbling at your first signs of growth? Instead of chemicals, edge and protect precious plants with deterrents like yarrow, lavender, or salvia that wildlife find less tasty.

Install groundcovers like creeping thyme in dry areas, kinnikinnick in cooler wet climates, or native bunchgrasses to stabilize slopes before spring rains.

Clean gutters and rain barrels to capture late-season storms, protecting against runoff and erosion. Not only will you protect your home from pooling water, you’ll also be stocked up on watering supplies come spring.

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