Spring in Minnesota doesn't ease in — it arrives fast and then stalls, warm one week and cold the next. The plants don't wait for you to be ready, though. Here's what to focus on now to give your garden a strong start.
Perennials
The perennials are the first sign that winter is actually over. Once the soil starts warming up, things move quickly — so this is the time to be paying attention.
- Monitor Growth: Watch for new shoots on peonies, hostas, and daylilies as the soil warms. They'll surprise you with how fast they emerge.
- Cleanup: Trim away last year's dead foliage, but go carefully — new growth is easy to nick if you're moving fast.
- Divide: If your irises or astilbes are looking crowded, now's the time to split and replant them. They'll thank you for it all season.
Trees & Shrubs
After a Minnesota winter, it's worth giving your trees and shrubs a proper look before the season gets away from you.
- Monitor Buds: Swelling buds and new leaves are your signal that things are healthy and moving in the right direction.
- Inspect & Prune: Winter damage shows up clearly this time of year. Remove any branches that didn't make it through the cold or got hit by heavy snow.
- Fertilize: A slow-release fertilizer applied at the base gives them a nutrient boost right when they need it most.
General Maintenance
The unglamorous stuff — but this is what separates a garden that thrives from one that spends all summer playing catch-up.
- Mulch: Refresh your mulch layers to hold moisture as temperatures swing. Keep it about 3 inches away from plant stems — mulch piled against the base leads to rot.
- Weed Early: Pull weeds now while they're young and the root systems are shallow. Every weed you miss this week is three weeds next week.
- Soil Prep: Test and amend your soil before planting. It's a small step that pays off all season long.
- Planting Annuals: In Minnesota, the traditional rule of thumb is mid-May. It's tempting to jump the gun on a warm April day — but one late frost will set you back further than waiting.
As always, I look forward to Minnesota's warmer Spring weather! But this year, I am eager to see how these tips and tricks elevate your garden game.
For the Love of Plants
- Kelly
