Winter may still have its grip on Bucks County, but for gardeners, this is the perfect time to prepare for the growing season ahead. As temperatures gradually rise and days get longer, there are plenty of tasks you can tackle now to set your landscape up for success in spring. Whether you’re eager to start planting, pruning, or simply dreaming about your garden’s potential, here are some essential late winter gardening tips to get a head start on spring.
1. Assess Your Garden and Plan for Spring
Before diving into any hands-on tasks, take some time to evaluate your garden. Walk around your property and note any damage caused by winter weather. Check for broken branches, compacted soil, or signs of disease in your plants. Use this time to map out what you’d like to plant, redesign, or expand in your landscape.
2. Prune Trees and Shrubs
Late winter is an excellent time to prune many trees and shrubs while they’re still dormant. Removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches now will encourage healthy growth in the spring. Focus on shaping trees like fruit trees, crape myrtles, and hydrangeas (depending on the variety). However, avoid pruning spring-blooming shrubs like lilacs and azaleas until after they flower, as cutting too soon may remove buds.
3. Start Seeds Indoors
For those eager to get a jump on the growing season, late winter is the perfect time to start seeds indoors. Cool-season crops like lettuce, kale, and spinach can be started now and transplanted in early spring. If you’re growing warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers, starting them indoors will give them ample time to establish before moving outdoors when the risk of frost has passed. Bountiful Acres carries a variety of seeds, trays, and soil to get you started!
4. Prepare Garden Beds
Even though the soil may still be cold, you can begin preparing your garden beds for planting. Remove debris, cut back any dead perennials, and lightly cultivate the soil to prevent compaction. Adding compost or organic matter now will help enrich the soil and improve its structure before planting season begins.
5. Check and Maintain Garden Tools
A little maintenance on your gardening tools now can save you frustration later. Sharpen pruners and shears, clean off any rust, and oil moving parts to keep everything in working order. Organizing your tools and supplies ensures you’re ready to hit the ground running once spring arrives.
6. Mulch for Protection and Weed Control
Applying a fresh layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds can help retain moisture and suppress weeds as temperatures warm up. Be careful not to pile mulch too close to the base of trees and plants, as this can lead to rot and pest issues. Bountiful Acres offers high-quality mulch options to give your landscape a clean and polished look while protecting your plants.
7. Fertilize Wisely
Late winter is a great time to apply a slow-release fertilizer to trees, shrubs, and lawns. Feeding your plants now will help encourage strong root development before new growth begins in the spring. Consider a balanced fertilizer or organic options that will provide essential nutrients without overstimulating growth too early.
8. Protect Early Blooms from Frost
If we get an early burst of warm weather, some plants may start budding sooner than expected. Keep an eye on the forecast, and if frost is expected, cover vulnerable plants with frost cloths or burlap to protect delicate blooms from damage.
9. Consider Cold-Tolerant Plants
If you’re eager to add some color to your landscape, consider cold-hardy plants like pansies, hellebores, and ornamental cabbages, which can handle the fluctuating temperatures of late winter and early spring. Bountiful Acres has a great selection of seasonal plants to brighten up your garden beds and containers.
10. Visit Bountiful Acres for Expert Advice and Supplies
There’s no need to wait until spring to get into gardening mode! Stop by Bountiful Acres to browse our selection of seeds, soil, mulch, fertilizers, and early spring plants. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help answer any gardening questions and provide expert advice to set your landscape up for success.
By taking the time to prepare your garden in late winter, you’ll be ahead of the game when spring arrives. Whether you’re planning, planting, or simply getting organized, every step you take now will make a difference in the growing season ahead. Visit Bountiful Acres in Doylestown to stock up on all your gardening essentials and get ready to welcome spring with a thriving garden!
