Done Around: March-April
Spring feels like more than one season when you live here in the Salt Lake Valley. Over here at Glover Nursery, we like to split spring into two mini seasons: Early Spring (March to April) and Late Spring (May to June).
Note: This page is intended only for early spring gardening tips. We have a separate gardening guide for late spring.
Preparing Your Utah Garden for Early Spring
As the snow melts and temperatures rise, it’s time to get your Utah garden ready for the growing season. At Glover Nursery, we define early spring as March and April. Early spring is crucial for setting up a thriving garden throughout the year. Here are some quick links to month-specific guides:
March Gardening Tips |
April Gardening Tips |
Caring for Trees in Early Spring
Start by tending to your trees. Prune fruit trees like peaches and cherries in early March. Don’t forget about your shade trees – give them a trim, too.
Apply dormant spray to protect against pests such as aphids and mites, which are prevalent when spring comes around. For specific trees like locusts and willows, consider using systemic borer control.
Early Spring Flower Bed Care
Next, turn your attention to your flower beds and shrubs. Fertilize your perennials and shrubs, keeping an eye out for any that might need an extra iron boost.
Some early spring tasks include:
- Remove winter mulch
- Rake out dead leaves and debris
- Relocate shrubs before they bud if needed
- Add compost to beds once the soil is dry enough
| Pro Tip: Be careful not to work wet soil, as this can cause compaction. |
Early Spring Lawn Care
| Proposed Image (can be changed) |
Your lawn shouldn’t need much watering in early spring unless you’re watering in fertilizer. Your lawn needs some TLC, too. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started:
- Rake to remove winter debris
- Aerate the soil
- Check and repair your sprinkler system
- Apply fertilizer and pre-emergent (unless you plan to overseed)
- Overseed around mid-April if necessary. Don’t know how to start? Here’s a guide on how to start your seeds for Spring.
Early Spring Pond CareDon’t forget about your pond! Clean it up and add beneficial bacteria. As water lilies show new growth, divide and fertilize them. |
Prepare Your Gardening Tools for Spring
Last in our early spring gardening tips is to ready your gardening tools!
Service your power equipment, sharpen those mower blades, and organize your tool shed. With everything in order, you’ll be set for a productive and enjoyable gardening season in Utah.
By following these steps, you’ll set your garden up for success throughout the growing season. Remember, gardening is a journey – enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new plants or techniques.
Your Utah garden will thank you for the early spring care with bountiful blooms and harvests later in the year. All information is created with the output of our master gardeners, alongside some sections of Utah State University’s (USU) spring gardening checklist.
