The weather has been beautiful this week, with summer-like temperatures bringing out the buds and blooms in our yards. And now is the best time to start prepping the yard and gardens for the season ahead. It’s important to remember that in Ontario it’s best to wait until mid to late April before cutting back perennials and clearing garden debris. Some bees that have been hibernating in our gardens may not emerge until late May, so it’s best to avoid disrupting their habitat for as long as possible.

While it may be tempting to tidy up your garden as soon as the snow melts, it’s essential to be patient and allow nature to take its course. The longer you can tolerate a “messy” garden, the better it will be for the bees and other pollinators that rely on it for food and shelter.

By waiting until the appropriate time to clean up your garden, you can help to ensure that it remains a healthy and thriving habitat for all the creatures that call it home.

Once ready to dive in, here are some tips on how to prep your garden for spring:

1. Clean up the garden: Remove any dead leaves, branches, and other debris that may have accumulated in your garden over the winter months. This will help to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease in your plants.
2. Prune trees and shrubs: Spring is the best time to prune your trees and shrubs. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to encourage new growth.
3. Prepare the soil: Test your soil to determine its pH level, and add any necessary amendments, such as compost, peat moss, or lime. Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches to allow for better root growth.
4. Add fertilizer: Apply a slow-release fertilizer to the soil before planting. This will give your plants the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
5. Plant your seeds and bulbs: Choose the right plants for your climate and soil type, and plant them according to the instructions on the seed packets or plant labels. Water your plants thoroughly after planting.
6. Mulch your garden: Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth. Spread a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves, straw, or bark chips, over the soil around your plants.
7. Water regularly: Water your plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.

In addition to preparing your garden beds for spring, it’s also important to take care of your lawn. One way to do this is by aerating your lawn. Aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots.

To aerate your lawn, you can use a manual or motorized aerator, which can be rented from your local garden center. Alternatively, you can use a garden fork to create holes in the soil, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart.

Aerating your lawn can help to improve its overall health and appearance, as well as reduce soil compaction and thatch buildup. It’s best to aerate your lawn in the early spring when the grass is actively growing and can recover quickly from the process.

Spring garden maintenance is not only important for the health of your plants and the well-being of pollinators, but it can also have a significant impact on the resale value of your home. A well-maintained garden can greatly enhance the curb appeal of your property and make a positive first impression on potential buyers. Investing in spring garden maintenance can be a cost-effective way to increase the resale value of your home, as it can often provide a high return on investment. By making your garden a top priority, you can ensure that your property stands out in a competitive real estate market and appeals to a wide range of potential buyers.