Winter Garden Checklist: Get ready for spring on those precious warmer days

Last Updated on: 14th March 2024, 05:19 am

As winter’s frosty grip gives us a rare reprieve, those rare mild days in January and February may beckon you outdoors. For the green thumbs and flower enthusiasts among us, these days are a precious gift—a chance to get a jumpstart on the spring season. At Tayloe’s Lawn Care Services, we understand the passion for tending your gardens and the joy that a well-prepared lawn and garden can bring. So, let’s make the most of these mild winter days! This handy winter garden checklist shares fifteen tasks you can tackle on those mild days when you feel like puttering in the yard.

Winter Garden Checklist

Here are some things you can do to get some fresh (admittedly still chilly) air and break your winter blues:

Assess Your Garden’s Condition: Take a leisurely walk through your garden and note what has withstood the winter. Look for signs of plant disease or pest infestations that need to be addressed and identify any hardscape elements that require repair.
Clean Up Debris: A tidy garden is a happy garden. Clear out the natural litter of winter—fallen leaves, broken branches, and the remnants of last season’s annuals. This not only cleans up your space but also prevents pests and diseases from taking hold.
Service Your Garden Tools: Dull blades and rusty trowels won’t do your garden any favors. Please spend some time cleaning, sharpening, and oiling your tools so they’re ready to go when spring arrives. Organize your shed or storage area to make everything easily accessible.
Plan Your Spring Garden: Dream up your ideal garden and start making it a reality. Choose the plants you want to grow, sketch out your garden beds, and order the seeds and bulbs you’ll need. Early planning means you’ll be ready to plant as soon as the weather allows.
Soil Testing and Amendment: Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels with a kit – you can pick one up from a hardware store or online. Then, use the results to amend the earth with compost, manure, or other organic materials to ensure your plants will have the best possible start.
Prune Dormant Shrubs and Trees: Pruning in late winter encourages healthy growth. Trim dormant shrubs and trees, keeping an eye out for dead or diseased branches that need to be removed.
Protect Sensitive Plants: Check on the plants you’ve protected with mulches or coverings. Make sure they’re still secure, and add extra protection if necessary to shield them from late winter chills. Those nights still sure get cold! Brrrrrr.
Start Seeds Indoors: Get a head start on the growing season by starting seeds indoors. Select varieties that require a longer growing period so they’ll be ready to transplant once the frost has passed.
Maintenance of Hardscape Features: Inspect your garden paths, patios, and fences for any damage caused by winter weather. Plan for repairs or consider new hardscape projects for the upcoming season.
Wildlife Care: Take care of our feathered friends and other wildlife by cleaning out bird feeders and baths. Plan for spring by choosing plants that attract pollinators and other beneficial creatures to your garden.
Mulching: A fresh layer of mulch can protect your plants from unexpected freezes and keep weeds at bay. Apply it around the base of trees, shrubs, and in your beds.
Watering as Needed: If winter has been drier than usual, give your trees and shrubs a drink to prevent stress. Check your irrigation system for any repairs to avoid last-minute hassles.
Planting Cold-Hardy Varieties: Take advantage of the cool weather to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials that can handle a cold snap. They’ll have a chance to establish roots before the heat of summer.
Lawn Care: When the ground isn’t frozen, gently rake and aerate your lawn. Planning for early spring lawn care, such as feeding and seeding, will give you a lush carpet of green.
Order Seeds for the Spring: Now is the perfect time to place your seed orders for spring. Whether you’re looking to try new varieties or sticking with old favorites, ordering from your favorite vendor now ensures you’ll have your seeds ready to plant when right. Take inventory of what you already have, too, so you don’t double up on your orders. Remember, some seeds can sell out quickly, so get your orders in early!

The Takeaway: Take Advantage of Mild Days to Work Through This List

Taking advantage of milder winter days satisfies the itch to get back into the garden and sets you up for success in the spring. Remember, Tayloe’s Lawn Care Services is always here to lend a hand with the heavier tasks or to offer expert advice. Please take a moment to follow us on Facebook – we post lawn care and gardening ideas there often.

Ready to get a head start on spring? Contact us now to sign up for early lawn care services and schedule a garden planning consultation. Let’s make this spring your garden’s best season yet!

Author Profile

Deborah Tayloe

Deborah Tayloe is the CEO and co-founder of Tayloe's Lawn Care Services, LLC. She has a B.S.Ed and holds certificates in soil and water management and herbology from accredited programs.