How to Prepare Your Lawn and Garden for Spring
Spring may not be in full bloom just yet depending on your region, but it’s just around the garden path. Now is the perfect time to prepare your yard and garden to enjoy a vibrant display of flowers, fruits, and vegetables once warmer weather arrives.
“Spring is the time to ensure your lawn and garden are healthy through summer and fall,” says Ashleigh Lemon, research specialist at Scotts Miracle-Gro. “To enjoy thick, green grass and thriving plants, you’ll need to set the stage by removing weeds and debris, and prepping your soil for the growing season.”
Expert Lawn and Garden Tips for Spring
1. Prepare Your Soil
“Pick up a handful of soil and squeeze it,” says Lemon. “If it crumbles, you’re good to go. If it clumps, it’s too wet and needs more time.”
Once the soil is workable, remove dead plants and weeds. Then, enrich it with compost. You may also apply a pre-emergent weed preventer to reduce weed growth later in the season.
2. Edge Your Garden Beds
“Cut a clean edge where planting beds meet the lawn,” Lemon advises. “Use a flat-bladed spade or lawn edger to sever invading grass roots.”
3. Rake Thoroughly
“Start the growing season with a clean slate,” says Phil Dwyer, turfgrass scientist at Scotts Miracle-Gro. Rake out brown, matted areas and leftover annual grassy weeds. Then, use a mulching mower to recycle organic matter back into the lawn.
4. Refresh Mulch
“As temperatures rise, add fresh mulch to protect plants and prevent weeds,” says Dwyer. “Spread 2–3 inches around your plants, keeping mulch away from direct contact with tree trunks.”
5. Mow Your Lawn
Wayne Archer from Sears PartsDirect recommends mowing early. “Overgrown grass can dry out and become uninviting. Plus, the scent of freshly cut grass is a spring favorite.”
Before mowing, tune up your lawnmower. This includes cleaning it, replacing old fuel, changing the oil and filter, checking the air filter and spark plugs, inflating the tires, and sharpening the blades.
“Think of a riding lawnmower like a car—it requires regular maintenance to keep your yard in top shape,” says Archer. With proper care, your mower can last 7 to 10 years.
6. Mow High for Healthier Grass
“Set your mower deck to the highest setting suitable for your grass type,” Dwyer suggests. “This helps grass develop deeper roots and improves drought resistance.”
7. Patch and Thicken Your Lawn
“Repair bare patches based on your grass type,” Dwyer advises. “Cool-season grass benefits from early spring seeding, while warm-season grass should be seeded later in spring.” If your lawn is thin, overseed to boost its density.
Julie Bawden-Davis is a garden writer and master gardener. She has written for publications like Organic Gardening, The American Gardener, Better Homes and Gardens, and The Los Angeles Times. She’s the author of 10 gardening books, including Fairy Gardening, The Strawberry Story Series, and Indoor Gardening the Organic Way. She also runs HealthyHouseplants.com and maintains a Certified Wildlife Habitat in her backyard.