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As winter breaks, we get really eager to start our garden. Even though cold temperatures and the occasional frost still pose a risk in some regions, there are plenty of ways to begin preparing your garden now.
But first, look before you leap. "The one thing to know before getting a jump start on your garden is the average last frost date in your area," shares Amy Enfield, Ph.D., Senior Horticulturist at ScottsMiracle-Gro. "Knowing this date will help you plan many of your early-season garden activities properly."
1. Start Your Fruit and Vegetable Seeds Indoors
I'm in Zone 5a, and this week is the green light. "If the weather is preventing you from working outside, late winter/early spring is a good time to start your garden seeds indoors," notes Enfield. "Your seed packets will tell you how many weeks before the last frost you should start your seeds indoors." Pay attention to recommendations for your local zone so you can pinpoint the perfect time.
I start many of my favorite fruits and vegetables indoors:
- tomatoes
- peppers (many types!)
- basil (and other herbs)
- eggplant
"Not all vegetable garden plants are good candidates for starting indoors and do better when sown directly in the soil outdoors when the weather is right–corn, beans, melons, squash," reminds Enfield. "But, for plants that have a very long growing season—from seed to transplant to harvest—starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a jump on the growing season."
She reminds us how important it is to choose the right type of soil. "You will need seed trays or small pots filled with a seed starting mix like Miracle-Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix and a bright, sunny windowsill or grow light."
2. Prep The Soil for Spring Gardens
In-ground gardens and raised garden beds can be turned and prepared once the soil temperature has risen and it's had a chance to dry.
"Start your garden prep by removing any debris and remaining plant material from last season," notes Enfield. "Then enrich the soil by incorporating organic matter like Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil. [Soil amendments] will not only add nutrients to the existing soil but also improve soil texture and drainage. The key is to make sure you give the soil time to dry before turning it–soil that’s still wet will create hard clods when it dries."
3. Plan and Plant Your Spring Containers
If you’re worried about the risk of frost, container gardens are a great way to get a start on the spring growing season. "Light-weight containers that are easily moved can be placed outside during the day to absorb the sun’s rays and then moved into a patio or garage at night to protect it from the cool temperatures," shares Enfield.
She adds, "The other benefit of growing in containers is you don’t have to wait for the soil to thaw and warm, which means you can top your containers off with fresh potting mix like Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix and start planting."
I plant irish potatoes and sweet potatoes in large containers in the late winter. They're easy to start indoors in a bright window. I drag the planters to the patio once the temperatures so they can finish growing outdoors.
4. Plant Cool-Season Plants
"Cool-season vegetables and cold tolerant plants can be planted in the garden several weeks or more before your last frost date–even earlier if you plant in containers and don’t have to wait for the soil to thaw after the winter months," notes Enfield.
- Cold Hardy Plants: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, beets, kale, radishes, peas and pole beans, spinach, and collards
- Frost Tolerant Plants: Leafy greens like lettuce, mustard greens, Swiss chard, carrots, celery, bok choy, cilantro, chives, and parsley
- Cool-Season Crops and Flowers: Primrose, pansies, sweet alyssum, snapdragons, English daisies, dianthus, anemones, osteospermum, and violas. (Not that it's recommended, but I've put spring bulbs into the ground in the late winter and forced blossoms in late spring, so if you slacked on fall planting, you might still have a window.)
5. Protect Your Early Spring Garden from Frost
"If you start planting outside before your last frost date, be prepared to protect your garden plants when frosts or early spring freezes are expected," reminds Enfield. "Young, newly planted, and tender plants are most susceptible to damage."
She highlights the following points:
- Adding a layer of mulch (like Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Natural Mulch) around your plants after planting helps the soil retain heat better.
- Containers that can be easily relocated should be moved to a protected spot for the night. For plants in-ground, raised beds, or large containers that can’t be easily moved, cover them with a sheet, frost blanket, or other light-weight material (ex: burlap).
- Use stakes to keep the covers from touching the plants. Individual plants can be covered with cold frames, buckets, bowls, cloches–just make sure the container can accommodate the plant's size."
With the right garden projects and products, homeowners can take full advantage of the early season to prepare for and start a thriving garden.
Can I still plant seeds if I missed the early start indoors?
In some cases, yes! Many cool-season vegetables—like peas, radishes, and spinach—germinate well in cooler temperatures. For warm-weather crops like zucchini and peppers, check local garden centers for seedlings, or wait until late summer to start seeds for a fall harvest.
How can I improve my soil before spring growth begins?
Turning over flower beds and garden plots in late winter helps loosen compacted soil. Adding compost or well-rotted manure boosts nutrients and improves texture before planting time. If the ground is too wet, wait until it dries to avoid clumping. A compost pile started now will also break down in time to enrich the soil for hot weather crops later.
Is it too early to clean up my garden?
It depends on your climate. In areas with mild winters, cutting back dead plants and clearing debris can make space for new spring growth. In colder regions, wait until freezing temperatures have passed; however, removing diseased or rotting material now can help prevent pests and disease from spreading. Leave some plant cover in flower beds to protect beneficial insects overwintering in the soil.
