Spring is well-known as the start of growing season. Things begin to take root once again, both in the year and in the ground outside. Early March-late April may be the ideal time to start planting in some climates, while in others, it may still serve as a season of preparation. Whatever the case for you, starting and tending to a garden can be a deeply rewarding experience—and there’s no better time than now.
So, break out the ideas you’ve been dreaming of since last year and get your hands dirty! Whether you’re a beginner starting fresh—or just adding a new variety into the mix this year—here’s our best advice to get a head start on the planning for your most successful growing season yet.
Planning + Preparing Your Garden
As signs of cold weather fade away, a renewed sense of inspiration and possibility fills the air. Embrace that seasonal sprit—and follow along to get ready for some springtime gardening!
1. Analyze the Existing: To get started planning your garden, take inventory of what you have to work with. This may vary based on previous gardening experience—and if you already have anything in the dirt. If you do, a bit of spring cleaning is the first step. Start by pruning and tending to any perennials or woody plants. Then, clean and refresh the existing soil (just not too early in the season) with a rake and a fresh layer of compost and fertilizer.
If you’re growing something new, confirm that you have a large enough sunny area to get started. This could be almost anywhere, though, from a large plot of land to a small planter or pot.
2. Set Goals: Caring for a garden, especially as a beginner, requires time, energy, and, yes, money. Decide how much of each you’d like to devote to your garden before getting started for the season. Then, consider what purpose you’d like your garden to serve. Is there something you’d like to harvest, cut, or use, like a vegetable or flower? Or would you like to grow a flourishing display of some kind? Setting these goals will give you the information you need to get the timing and care just right.
3. Plan It Out: Now that you know what you’d ideally like to grow, it’s time to get started on the how. Since you’re preparing early, it would be best to sow most plants you grow from seed, especially as transplants can prefer warmer weather. Psst…our Seed Bar at the Silos in Waco, Texas offers custom mixtures, all of which are either planted in Jo's garden at the farm or somewhere on the Silos grounds.
If you’re a beginner, we’d recommend growing “starter produce” like herbs and tomatoes, as well as annual flowers because they are less expensive, faster growing, and easier to care for. For more tips on choosing and caring for plants (indoors and out), read our Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Plants Alive.
4. Gather Your Goods: It’s probably no surprise to hear that good, high-quality soil is the foundation of any happy, healthy garden. Stock up on fresh soil and fertilizer and remove grass or sod in advance for any in-ground planting you’re planning. There are a few more ways you can get ready to grow, though, too. If you’ll be using new containers, drill any holes for drainage early in the season.
And, especially if you’re just getting started, this is also the time to double check you have all your handy-dandy tools, like shears and a good pair of gloves.
5. Get Growing: Now for the fun part! Once you’ve selected a species (or a few) that grows well in spring—like broccoli, spinach, carrots, beets, herbs, and certain hearty flowers—you can focus on proper timing and care. Planting too early or too late in the season can greatly impact the growth of your garden, so keep in mind the date of the last freeze in your area and local soil temperatures.
Other aspects, like the amount of time until harvest or how far apart to space your seeds, will be easy to determine based on what you’re growing. Plus, don’t be afraid to ask your local garden experts for more tailored help. Our What to Do for Your Garden in the Summer blog also offers tips for extended plant care as the weather gets warmer!
DIY Projects for Spring
Now that you know the basics, let’s put it all together. Here are three beginner-friendly projects to get you started in the garden this season.
Start Some (New) Seeds
“My favorite thing about seeds is how much promise is in each one. The process of sowing all of those seeds is such an exciting way to begin the season.”—Erin Benzakein
From The Flower Growing Guide with Erin Benzakein.
why do it: have fresh flowers (and other plants) on hand
supplies checklist: high-quality seed starting or germination mix, trays or pots, seeds, plastic plant tags, pencil or chopstick, marker, vermiculite (optional)
01 Prepare your tray (or pots).
02 Plan out your start date.
03 Sow the seeds.
04 Cover and germinate.
05 Water gently.
Grow Leafy Greens
“You can plant baby kale and have it ready to harvest from seed in 30 days. It’s really easy, very rewarding.”—Jamila Norman
From 30 Day Harvest: Vegetables and Herbs with Jamila Norman.
why do it: plant some hearty produce for cooler weather
supplies checklist: kale seeds, nutrient-rich soil, a pot or raised bed, sunshine
01 Make shallow rows in the soil.
02 Sprinkle the seeds in the rows.
03 Lightly cover with soil.
04 Slowly water seeds to keep surface moist.
05 Harvest in just 30 days!
Plant a Layered Landscape Bed
“You can use them to create added privacy, to emphasize a certain area, or just to give you something beautiful to look at.”—Rachael Frietas
From Learn to Landscape: Easy Backyard Projects with Rachael Freitas.
why do it: add year-round interest and color outdoors
supplies checklist: paper, pencil, fertilizer, plants, and your basic gardening tools
01 Assess the space.
02 Select a plant palette.
03 Sketch out a plan.
04 Plant the landscape.
05 Add a protective layer.
06 Water and care for your new plants.
EXPLORE ALL MAGNOLIA WORKSHOPS
Here’s to sowing now for a beautiful harvest later. Stock up on tools for your springtime planting:
MORE TO INSPIRE
Explore more ideas to get creative, wherever you grow:
- What to Do for Your Garden in the Summer
- A Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Plants Alive
- From the Journal: What’s Growing in Jo’s Garden
- Floral and Vase Pairings for Spring
- Plant Your Own Seedlings
