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Get Ready for Pruning and Prepping: Late Winter and Early Spring Gardening Tips

Writer's picture: Barrow LandscapesBarrow Landscapes

Updated: 5 days ago


Landscape designs and installation by Barrow Landscaping- Image all rights reserved
Landscape designs and installation by Barrow Landscaping- Image all rights reserved

As the chill of winter begins to fade and hints of spring emerge, gardeners everywhere feel the pull to head outdoors and prepare for the growing season. Late winter and early Spring are prime times to prune, clean up, and lay the groundwork for a thriving garden. Here are some practical tips to help you get started. Contact your local landscaping company for help.


Pruning: Refresh and Revitalize Your Plants

Pruning is one of the most important tasks to tackle in late Winter. Many plants benefit from a good trim during their dormant period, as it encourages healthy growth when spring arrives.


Here are some pruning guidelines to follow:

  • Trees and Shrubs: Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. This improves airflow and reduces the risk of pests and diseases. For flowering shrubs, be cautious—prune those that bloom on new wood now, like butterfly bushes and hydrangeas, but wait until after blooming for those that flower on old wood, like lilacs and forsythia.

  • Fruit Trees: Prune apple, pear, and other fruit trees to shape the canopy and increase sunlight exposure, which helps improve fruit production.

  • Roses: Cut back hybrid tea roses and other varieties that bloom on new wood. Aim to shape the plant and remove any weak or crossing canes.


Clean Up Garden Beds

Before new growth begins, take the time to tidy up your garden beds. Removing debris and weeds will give your plants a clean slate to thrive. Here’s how:

  • Remove Dead Plant Material: Pull out any annuals left over from last season and trim back dead foliage from perennials.

  • Pretreat and Weed Thoroughly: Catch weeds early before they have a chance to take root and spread. To prevent weeds, use a pre-emergent herbicide.

  • Refresh Mulch: Rake up old, compacted mulch and apply a fresh layer to help regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.


Soil Preparation: The Foundation of a Healthy Garden

Healthy soil is the key to a productive garden. Take these steps to prepare your soil:

  • Test Your Soil: Use a soil test kit to determine pH levels and nutrient deficiencies. This will help you choose the right amendments.

  • Add Compost: Enrich your soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility.

  • Loosen the Soil: Turn over the soil with a garden fork or tiller to break up compacted areas and enhance drainage.


Plan for Early Spring Planting

Late Winter is the perfect time to start planning and prepping for early spring planting. Consider these tips:

  • Start Seeds Indoors: Begin sowing seeds for vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs indoors so they’ll be ready to transplant when the weather warms up.

  • Plant Cool-Season Crops: As soon as the soil is workable, plant hardy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes directly in the garden.

  • Prepare Flower Beds: Divide and transplant perennials, and plant bulbs like tulips and daffodils for a burst of spring color.

 

Inspect and Maintain Tools

Before the season kicks into high gear, ensure your gardening tools are in top shape. Clean, sharpen, and oil tools like pruners, shovels, and hoes. This will make your work easier and more efficient.


Pruning and prepping your garden in late winter and early Spring set the stage for a vibrant, productive growing season. With a little effort now, you’ll reap the rewards of beautiful blooms, lush greenery, and bountiful harvests in the months to come. So grab your gloves and pruners, and embrace the season of renewal—your garden will thank you for it!


 

Spring is upon us. If you are planning landscaping ideas and need assistance with 2D or 3D designs, plant and shrub choices, or hardscapes ideas to enhance your outdoor space call  Barrow Landscapes at 309-370.6299. Our experts can help!

 

We service Metamora, Germantown Hills, Peoria, East Peoria, Washington, Morton and surrounding areas. Contact Barrow Landscapes for all your landscaping needs.

 

Barrow Landscapes offers Hardscapes including Paver Walkways, Retaining Walls, Paver Patios to Softscapes including landscape plantings, lawn install and repair, and privacy plantings. Barrow Landscapes also offers landscape lighting and 2D and 3D landscape designs so their clients’ can visualize their dream landscapes with unparalleled clarity and confidence, making informed decisions bringing outdoor visions to life.

 

Call Barrow Landscapes at 309-370.6299 or visit BarrowLandscapes.com. Give us a call  today or contact us to get your landscape visions started.




and pruners, and embrace the season of renewal—your garden will thank you for it!


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