Hello,

The temperatures are rising, and fall-planted bulbs like Daffodils, Crocus, and Snowdrops are blooming. It’s time to think about spring garden tasks! 

Begin Cold Stratifying Native Seeds Indoors 

Want to start native plants from seed but didn’t sow any outside this winter? You still have time if you move the process indoors. For seeds that need 30-90 days of cool temperatures, lightly dampen horticultural sand in a plastic storage bag labeled with the plant’s name and “due” date. Add the seeds. Press out the air and seal the bag. Leave it in the fridge and check it occasionally until the seeds are ready to plant.

Rake Leaves from Grass and Hardscape 

Some leaves take longer to decompose than others. If you have a heavy layer of leaf litter on your lawn, sidewalk, or patio, rake the leaves into your garden beds for mulch or compost them. Avoid sending them out with the trash or mowing over them unless absolutely necessary—there could still be overwintering insects waiting to emerge!  

Prune Shrubs 

The best time to prune shrubs is late winter and early spring, when pests and pathogens are typically dormant. Remove dead or diseased branches and crossing branches, and prune for aesthetics. For spring-flowering trees and shrubs, wait until after they have bloomed before breaking out the pruners.

Clean Up Last Year’s Perennials 

Starting in mid-April, remove the remains of last year’s perennials. Use a “chop and drop” approach: break up the debris by hand or with shears and leave it in the garden bed as natural mulch or add it to your compost pile. 

Go Plant Shopping 

Online native nurseries like Prairie Moon and Izel Plants offer the best selection of potted plants in late winter and early spring, with shipping starting in April. Locally, nurseries and big-box stores begin selling spring plants in April and May, but the shopping season really heats up after Mother’s Day and continues all summer. 

So, apply your sunscreen and head outside for a little gardening! 

Elsewhere: 

Do you impulse purchase plants? This USA Today article offers smart tips for curbing that habit—or making it more effective for your garden design. 

Have a great week, 

Julie