Spring brings the promise of sunshine and rain⁠—two ingredients that are key to a beautiful garden. However, it's important to ready the ground for the months ahead by taking a few preparatory steps. With the right lawn and garden supplies on hand and the following best practices, you can be confident your lawn and flowers will look their best. 

How to Get Your Garden Ready for Spring

1. Do Some Spring Cleaning

Now is the time to clear away the brush and debris that may have accumulated in the previous months. Remove weeds, decaying leaves, old, non-composted mulch, and anything else that robs your garden of its natural beauty. Once done, you should have nothing but soil left. This is a bare canvas for you to begin work.

2. Prune Where It's Necessary

Assess the condition of your plants. If you spot any decayed, diseased, or otherwise damaged stems or limbs, now is the time to prune them. That will prevent the spread of pests and disease and protect the integrity of your garden in the long term. Prune other troublesome stems, too, such as branches that cross one another, suckers that shoot up from the ground, and water sprouts that develop on the trunk or limbs. Wipe down your pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol between cuts to prevent spreading disease from one plant to another.

3. Get the Soil Ready

Since soil can harden and compact during the brisk winter months, loosen it. Don't skip this step, or your plants won't receive the vital moisture and nutrients they need to thrive. Use your lawn and garden supplies of choice⁠—from tills to rakes⁠—to dig into the soil up to a depth of up to 14 inches. Then, add compost to build up the texture of the earth and improve its balance of nutrients. Compost will also help it lock in moisture more efficiently. Add some water to help the ground settle.

4. Do Some Early Planting

If you have some new perennials and bulbs to plant, now is the time. Dig openings according to the supplier's instructions, drop them in, and fill in the hole. Finish by watering extensively to ensure substantial growth. Double-check the information about anything you're planting. Some may perform better in full or partial sunlight.

5. Add a Mulch Layer

Finish by applying a layer of at least one to two inches of mulch to the ground. That's enough to support moisture retention, minimize weed growth, and promote the appearance of an attractive garden. Just as importantly, it can prevent weeds from sprouting.

If you're seeking lawn and garden supplies for your spring gardening projects, visit Bolivar Farmers Exchange in MO. They carry an extensive range of products and tools needed to ensure that your outdoor space looks its best, including plant food, fertilizer, and bulk seed. Visit the website to learn more about their products, or call (417) 326-5231 to speak with a representative.