Early Spring Garden Tasks
Don't feel overwhelmed - it's okay if you don't get to it all!
Rose Pruning and Feeding: Now through mid-March for the healthiest plant and greatest blooms. For a primer on rose pruning, see this guide.
Hydrangea Pruning: There are four types of hydrangeas, so do a quick google search for your type and how best to prune it. You Tube has some excellent tutorials.
Edging and Mulching: Now is the time for spring mulch application! Reduce weeds before they start, retain moisture from the winter rains, feed your plants with the slow release of nutrients, and tidy your bed appearance. Before mulching, re-establish crisp bed lines before mulching. This simple step dramatically elevates the appearance of the entire garden and prevents lawn creep.
Prune and Feed Rhododendron and Camellia: Some varieties of these plants are blooming right now. Once they have completed the bloom cycle, make any pruning cuts. Next years blooms are set just after this years bloom cycle, so you'll want to prune now so as to not cut off next years flowers. Once they finish flowering, apply an acid-loving plant fertilizer if needed.
Prune Blackberries/Raspberries: Prune out any canes that produced fruit last year (floricanes) and thin shrub to strongest 6/7 canes per plant. Train and support canes on trellis or fence for easy harvesting and maximum airflow and sunlight, so that your berries are the sweetest they can be!
Prune Multi-stemmed Shrubs: Plants such as forsythia and dogwood send up many shoots from the plant crown. To increase airflow and promote a shape you enjoy, prune out a selection of the stems to thin the plant. Cut any canes to be removed right to the ground.
Plan your vegetable gardens and start indoor seeds.
Ornamental Grass Cutback
If you didn’t cut back ornamental grasses in late winter, do so now before new growth emerges. Cut to 6–12 inches above ground, depending on the species.
Soil Testing & Amendments
Early spring is a good time to test soil pH and nutrient levels, especially in vegetable beds. King County offers up to 5 free soil tests (which also includes amendment suggestions) per household.
Irrigation Check
Run irrigation systems before peak season. Check for leaks, clogged emitters, broken heads, and adjust coverage before plants are actively growing.
Clean Up Perennials & Evergreen Tidying
Remove winter-damaged foliage from hellebores, epimedium, and evergreen perennials. Lightly shape boxwood and other broadleaf evergreens if needed.
Planting Season Begins!
Late March is an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials while soil is moist and cool, so that roots can establish before summer stress.
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Growing a garden can be about more than just plants. It's about connection - with yourself, with your community, and with your health. I look forward to working with you to create your dream garden!
