We’ve been having huge temperature swings in my area but most of my plants are hanging on. How has everyone’s gardens been holding up?
This is a good time of year to do a little preparation. Before the rush of planting begins, take time to set your garden up for success now. Here’s a simple checklist to guide you:
Clean + Reset
- Clear out dead plants and debris from last season
- Pull early weeds before they take over
- Sanitize pots, trays, and tools
Soil Prep
- Top off beds with compost or well-aged manure
- Loosen compacted soil
- Add mulch where needed to protect moisture
Plan + Prep
- Map out your garden layout (crop rotation matters!)
- Order any last seeds you need
- Start early seeds indoors (tomatoes, peppers, herbs)
Check Your Systems
- Inspect hoses, drip lines, and watering cans
- Fix leaks or replace anything worn out
Plant the First Crops
- Direct sow cold-hardy crops (lettuce, spinach, carrots, peas)
- Transplant hardy seedlings if your weather allows
Bonus Homestead Tasks
- Turn your compost pile
- Check fencing and garden protection
- Start thinking about pest prevention now (not later)
You don’t need to do it all in one day. Even knocking out 2–3 of these this week puts you ahead.