Temperatures are getting warmer, days longer and the snow is slowly disappearing. Even though Spring isn’t yet in its full glory there are things that you can be doing to get closer to a successful growing season.

SEEDS: If you are ready to feel soil between your fingers this is the perfect time to get plant seeds started indoors.

Tips for seed starting success

BULBS: While spring-blooming bulbs like daffodils and tulips must be planted in the Fall, you can start planning on which bulbs you would like to see in your summer garden.

The 5 Best Bulbs to Plant in Spring for Summer Blooms   

TIDY: When the snow has finally disappeared you need to clear garden beds and lawn of broken branches, leaves, and debris. Also trim broken or dead branches from trees and shrubs.

TOOLS: See which tools need replacing and which just need a clean off with soap and water.

SOIL: Turn the soil over and clear any weeds that may have grown.  Add fresh compost from your own compost bin or use store-bought compost or manure to add nutrients to the soil. Do this a couple of weeks before planting, so there is time for it to mix with your soil and won’t burn the roots of new plants.

PLANNING: Plan your 2019 flower and vegetable garden. Remember that to have color blooming throughout the season, mix perennial flowers with some annuals. Consider the different heights, making sure that taller plants don’t block the sun from shorter ones.

Get Your Garden Ready for Spring: A Checklist

FINAL RECOMMENDATION: Make this the year you keep a written and (or) photo journal of your garden’s progress. It is hard to remember all the successes and failures so notes or a visual record from the previous year help when it comes to planning your garden.