5 Spring Gardening Tips Not to Ignore
May 19, 2026

5 Spring Gardening Tips Not to Ignore

 

With Spring in full-swing many people have already started their gardens or are actively seeking the best way to do so. Spring is the most critical decision-making window in the gardening calendar.  It is a time when we plan our hopes and dreams for the growing season and try to get our garden off to the right start. 

The individual choices you make in the early days of spring will determine your garden's success throughout the season. In this article, we will cover my top 5 tips for kicking off the garden season right: the soil, the plan, timing, pest control, and water. 

Mastering these 5 topics will set you up for a great harvest long past these exciting spring days


1: Improve the Soil

You can do everything else right, but if the soil is poor, your plants will suffer. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to add organic matter to the soil before planting your garden and multiple times throughout the season. Organic matter can be in the form of homemade or store-bought compost, aged manure, leaf mold, worm castings, and similar materials. Doing so will improve soil texture, nutrient density, plant root development, water retention, microbial life, and more! 


For beginner and seasoned gardeners alike, I highly recommend getting a soil test done 1-2 times a year. Spring is a great time to get it done. There are many ways to do it, including DIY kits online and even some extension services that offer it as well. At a bare minimum, you want to determine the soil’s pH, the macronutrients available (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and organic matter content. Once you take your sample and send it to the lab (instructions are usually sent with the kit), you will receive an analysis that will help you know what to add to your soil throughout the season to help your plants thrive. 


#2: Make a Good Plan

It is always good to have a garden plan that works for your family and lifestyle. For a hearty variety, prioritize high-calorie, high-value crops such as potatoes, beans, winter squash, corn, and leafy greens. Crops that are easy to preserve are also a good idea. Things like tomatoes, onions, tubers (potatoes, parsnips, carrots), and fruits. 


Yet, you know your family best. Plant only what you know you and your family will eat. Plan to utilize crops that can be successively planted for multiple harvests and to maximize space usage. When you’re unsure what to plant or what will work with your garden, try multiple different species. This way,  if one crop struggles, others will pick up the slack.


#3: Get the Timing Right

Knowing when to start your seeds, when to transplant into the garden, and when to fertilize can be very overwhelming for newer gardeners. The good news is that with time, these things will become second nature. In the meantime, find out what your local estimated last frost date is and monitor the weather closely around that time.

 Keep in mind that some cool-season crops (kale, cabbage, radishes, etc) can be planted outside when it is still quite cold as long as the ground is workable. Whereas warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash, etc.) should be started indoors and only planted outside once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50F.

 Be sure to harden off your seedlings by gradually acclimating them to their new environment before transplanting permanently to avoid transplant shock. 


#4: Control Pests and Weeds Early

Prevention is the best medicine. It is far easier to prevent and stay on top of pest problems than to try to control an infestation once it gets out of hand. Mulch the bare soil with straw, leaves, or woodchips to prevent weeds. Use row covers or netting when necessary to pests that eat leaves.

 Check your plants regularly for signs of pests and act quickly when anything is spotted. Encourage beneficial insects by planting nearby native wildflowers. Early intervention prevents large losses and reduces dependence on store-bought chemicals. 


#5: Mastering Water Systems

Another factor that can have positive or negative effects on your garden is water. Installing a drip irrigation system that is concentrated at the root zone and conserves water effectively while keeping the soil moist is the gold standard. However, this isn’t always possible for all home gardeners. 


The general rule of thumb for watering your garden yourself is to water deeply, but infrequently. This means that getting the soil thoroughly soaked only 1-2 times a week is way more effective than giving your garden a quick sprinkle each day. For drought-prone areas, consider looking into rainwater harvesting with rain barrels and other systems. 


Take Action Today

At the end of the day, the best way to have a garden is to make one! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and do whatever you can this year. Planting a couple of plants in some containers is a great way for beginners to get their feet wet. 

Slowly expand your operation each year as you learn and grow along with your garden. Spring planting determines summer and fall harvests. Build your skills over time and think long-term.  Each season you attempt a garden, your capacity grows, and your confidence and independence grow with it.

Lara Wadsworth is a freelance horticulture writer with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture and over three years of experience creating engaging content about gardening and plant care. As a wife, mom, and dog lover, Lara understands the importance of balancing a busy life with a thriving garden. She values practical advice and effective strategies that empower beginners and experienced gardeners alike to grow with confidence. Through her writing, she aims to inspire others to enjoy the rewards of gardening, no matter their skill level.

 

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