As the weather warms up in Gilbert, it’s time to get your garden ready for the spring growing season. A little preparation now will set the stage for a lush, healthy yard in the months ahead. Here’s how to tackle your spring garden cleanup and prep like a pro. 🌱💪
Clear Out Winter Debris
Start by clearing your yard and garden beds of any leftover winter debris, like fallen leaves, dead annuals, and broken branches. This will give you a clean slate to work with and prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in the plant material.
Rake up leaves and add them to your compost bin, or use them as mulch around trees and shrubs. Pull out spent annuals and veggies past their prime. Collect sticks and branches to dispose of or chip into mulch. Getting rid of this debris allows air, water and nutrients to reach the soil more easily.
Prune and Trim 🌿✂️
Early spring, before new growth emerges, is the ideal time to prune many trees, shrubs and perennials in Gilbert. Pruning stimulates healthy new growth, improves plant shape and removes any dead, damaged or diseased wood.
Use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging your plants. Remove crossing or rubbing branches, and trim back overgrown shrubs. Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials to a few inches above the ground. Always research proper pruning techniques for your specific plant varieties to ensure you prune at the right time and place.
Weed and Cultivate Beds
Next, focus on preparing your garden beds and containers for spring planting. Pull any early spring weeds that have sprouted before they have a chance to take hold. Use a hoe or cultivator to loosen the top few inches of soil, taking care not to disturb bulbs or perennial roots.
Mix in a layer of compost, aged manure, or slow-release organic fertilizer to replenish nutrients. This is also a good time to top up mulch around trees, shrubs and perennial beds, which helps retain moisture, moderate soil temperature and suppress weeds. Aim for a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch.
Inspect Hardscaping and Irrigation 🧱💧
Don’t overlook your yard’s hardscaping and irrigation during spring cleanup. Check patios, paths and retaining walls for any damage from winter frost heave. Make repairs as needed. Clean and stain decks and fences to protect the wood.
Test your irrigation system and inspect for leaks, clogs or damaged sprinkler heads. Adjust spray patterns and timer settings for the season. Consider upgrading to a smart controller that automatically adjusts watering based on weather conditions, which can save water and money.
Plan Your Spring Planting
With your yard spruced up and ready to go, it’s time to plan out your spring planting. In Gilbert, March and April are prime time for adding new trees, shrubs, perennials, and cool-season annuals like petunias, pansies and geraniums.
Sketch out your design, keeping in mind sun exposure, mature plant size, color scheme and maintenance needs. If you’re eager to start a veggie garden, consider waiting until May to plant warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers and squash. With a solid plan in place, you’ll be ready to create a thriving, beautiful garden all season long.
A little spring cleanup lays the foundation for a spectacular Gilbert garden. Invest some time and elbow grease now and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy, vibrant yard to enjoy in the months ahead. Happy spring gardening! 🌻
