As we get into the spring season, our gardening to-do list starts to fill up. These 7 essential chores will get you ready for a successful garden — while not filling up your calendar with too many tasks.

Let’s get into the must-do chores.

#1 — Start Seeds Indoors:

Begin seeds of annual flowers and herbs indoors.
Use sustainable and organic seed-starting mix.

Need guidance with seed starting? Enroll in our Seed Starting Masterclass, which will walk you through starting your seeds from scratch so you can grow your lush cutting garden with confidence. You will learn about starting seeds in trays, as well as soil blocking.

#2 — Soil & Bed Preparation:

Prepare beds for planting by weeding and incorporating compost into the soil. However, while it's tempting to get out in the garden as soon as you can, for this particular task it's a good idea to wait until outdoor temperatures reach 50 degrees (Fahrenheit) consistently. This allows for pollinators and beneficial insects to move out of their winter hibernation homes.
A 1” layer of compost is usually sufficient and can be worked into the soil gently with a fork or broadfork; taking care not to disturb the structure of the soil.
Terminate cover crops and turn them into the soil.
Install any needed irrigation systems.

#3 — Plant & Maintain Perennials & Shrubs:

Plant perennial flowers, herbs, and flowering shrubs early in the season. Ensure proper spacing for growth.
Prune and divide perennials as needed.
Prune shrubs as applicable; some flowering shrubs such as roses should be pruned in late winter or very early spring..

#4 — Direct Seed Warm Season Annual Flowers:

Wait until the risk of frost has passed.
Direct sow seeds of warm-season annuals in prepared beds.

#5 — Introduce Beneficial Plants:

Incorporate companion plants to deter pests.
Attract beneficial insects with flowering plants and herbs.

#6 — Install Supports:

Set up supports for tall or heavy flowers and flowering vines.
Use natural materials like wood, bamboo, or twine.

#7 — Plant & Order Bulbs:

In late spring, plant bulbs/tubers such as dahlias, agapanthus, gladiola, and calla lily that will flower in late summer/fall.
Order spring-blooming bulbs such as dahlias, daffodils, and hyacinth that get planted in the fall.

Need some more assistance with planning, maintaining, and assessing your garden? Get a copy of the Sweet Earth Co. Planner & Journal, which has over 150 pages of education, trackers, and logs to help you cultivate the cutting garden of your dreams.