- Test for soil types and pH levels before major planting
- Plan planting areas based on exposure to sun, shade, and wind; consider distance from water source
- Dig beds in preparation for spring planting as soon as earth is friable
- Apply horticultural oil sprays to dormant trees and shrubs before buds open and if there is no danger of night frost
- Divide and transplant summer-blooming perennials
- Plant cold weather vegetables like spinach, peas, lettuce, and broccoli as soon as soil is workable
- Plant roses
- Apply fertilizer to roses as new growth begins
- Plant and transplant perennials
- Sow seeds of annuals and vegetables indoors that require 10 to 12 weeks before transplanting
- Prune all plant material to remove any diseased, dead, weak, or crossing branches
- Complete tree pruning before new growth begins
- Cut back ornamental grasses
- Remove weeds before they flower
This isn't a complete list chores, but should be more than enough to get you started with your spring gardening.
Additional Information
Rutgers University - How to have your soild tested
University of Illinois - Gardening with Perennials
Planting Roses
Colorado State University - Horticultural Oils
Colorado State University - Insect Control with Horticultural Oils
Penn State University - Need help identifying those spring weeds?
