Even in NJ, NY, PA, and DE, early spring preparation ensures a thriving garden throughout the growing season. March is a temperamental month in the Northeast, but as the frost thaws, you can prepare your garden for the warmer months ahead. Here are some tasks to start now to make planting in May easier.

1. Assess and Plan Your Garden

Begin by evaluating your garden’s current state, taking note of areas that need attention, such as damaged plants, overgrown shrubs, or empty spaces that need some new life. If you had a garden last year, remember what worked well and what didn’t, and then use that information as you plan for the year ahead. 

2. Clean and Organize Garden Beds

Once the snow has melted, you can clear away debris such as fallen leaves, dead plant material, and weeds from your garden beds. While some leaves and plant materials provide natural mulch and habitat for beneficial wildlife, you want to clear anything with mold or disease that would prevent sun from reaching the seeds.

3. Prune Trees and Shrubs

March is a great time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs before new growth emerges. Without foliage, it’s easier to see the structure of the plants and make precise cuts. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to promote healthy growth. But for flowering shrubs, you’ll want to prune spring-flowering varieties after they bloom to avoid cutting off flower buds. 

4. Prepare Your Soil

As the ground begins to thaw, you can start preparing the soil for planting in a few months. Mix in your compost to improve soil structure, fertility, and drainage. These essential nutrients will replenish the soil from the previous summer and foster a healthy ecosystem. But make sure to wait if the soil is too wet – it can start to compact.

5. Start Seeds Indoors

Get a head start on the growing season by starting seeds indoors for warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. There are plenty of ways to use containers that would have been trash or recycling to start your seedlings. With adequate (probably supplemental) warmth and light, you can have strong, healthy seedlings that will be ready with vegetables in the summer. As the seedlings grow, be careful not to over- or underwater them consistently and consider using a fan for air circulation and preventing fungal issues. 

6. Transplant Cool-Season Crops

Once the soil is frost-free and workable, transplant hardy vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale into the garden. These crops can withstand the cooler temperatures of early spring and will establish well before the heat of summer. Don’t forget to water them if necessary, and you may need to use row covers to protect them from unexpected frosts (although some of these do fine in the snow). 

7. Check Your Equipment

Before the mowing season begins, service your lawnmower and other equipment. Sharpen blades, change the oil, and replace air filters as needed. Fixing these things now will make it easier to mow your lawn in the summer. 

8. Control Weeds Early

Now is the time to start watching for weeds. If you address weeds early in the season, you’ll get to them before they become established. Hand-pull or hoe young weeds and apply a layer of mulch to suppress new growth (add soil and grass seed if it’s in your lawn). Early intervention prevents weeds from competing with your desired plants for nutrients and water. 

9. Plan and Purchase New Plants

While it’s too early to start planting, the planning stage can be the most fun for your garden. You can start buying some plants, but it may be better to wait until you can put them in the ground. 

March is the perfect time to plan your garden and even make any renovations to your patio or outdoor kitchen. If you need inspiration for your outdoor oasis, visit Garden State Soapstone, Slate, and Wood Countertops. We have natural stone outdoor tiles that can withstand the elements and beautiful countertops or custom sinks that will encourage you to spend all your free time outside. Call today to schedule a tour of our showroom.