Spring has officially arrived, and it’s the perfect season to tidy up your yard, get organized, and prep your landscape for new growth. Even though we don’t experience the harsh winters our northern neighbors do, your plants might still show signs of damage from cold snaps—and your yard likely needs a little TLC before things really start blooming.
Step 1: Prune with Purpose
Once the risk of frost has passed, take a walk through your yard and trim back any plants that were hit by chilly weather. Don’t be too quick to dig them up—even plants that look rough may bounce back as the temperatures rise. Be patient, and give them a chance to recover.
Step 2: Freshen Up Mulch & Weeds
After pruning, you’ll probably notice more exposed mulch beds. This is a great opportunity to pull weeds and refresh your mulch. Aim for a layer that’s 2 to 3 inches deep, but don’t overdo it—too much mulch can suffocate plant roots. If fallen leaves have piled up, consider removing some before adding new mulch. And don’t forget to pull mulch away from tree trunks so the root flare is visible—this helps prevent rot and pests.
Step 3: Choose the Right Replacements
If some plants didn’t survive the winter, now’s the time to think about what to replace them with. Do your research and make sure you’re picking the Right Plant for the Right Place. That means understanding your soil, sunlight, and moisture conditions before buying anything.
Step 4: Inspect and Tune Up Your Irrigation System
Spring is also a smart time to give your sprinkler system a check-up. Run each zone and look for clogged emitters, misdirected spray heads, or components that aren’t popping up properly. Make sure your rain shut-off device is working too—these devices help conserve water but need occasional maintenance and should be replaced every few years.
While you’re at it, calibrate your system to make sure you’re not wasting water. Here’s an easy way to do it: Place 6–8 small, uniform containers (like tuna cans) around each irrigation zone. Run the sprinklers for 15 minutes, then measure the water in each can. Average the results to see how much water your system is delivering. Adjust your timer so each zone gets about half an inch of water.
Step 5: Give Wildlife Some Love
Don’t forget the birds! Clean out bird feeders and refill them with fresh seed. Birdbaths should be scrubbed and refilled as well—but skip the soap or bleach, as these can harm wildlife. Fresh water and clean feeders will invite feathered friends back into your yard.
Step 6: Plan for the Season Ahead
Now that your yard is cleaned up and ready to grow, you can start dreaming about spring additions. Think about adding native plants that attract pollinators, starting a veggie or herb garden, planting a shade tree, or placing a bench in a peaceful spot. A pop of garden art can also bring personality to your outdoor space.
Need Help?
If you’re in Southwest Florida, reach out to Tending to HIS GARDEN at (941) 809-4333 or visit https://tendingtohisgarden.com/contact-us/. We look forward to working with you!