Spring is finally here, and that means it’s time to shake off the winter chill and get our gardens ready for a season of growth and abundance. There’s something so refreshing about stepping into the garden after months of cold weather, feeling the warmth of the sun, and envisioning all the fresh produce and beautiful blooms to come.

But before planting begins, some important prep work needs to be done. A clean and organized garden sets the stage for a healthy, productive season. Taking the time now to clear out old debris, tidy up tools, and refresh the planting space will save headaches later—your future self will thank you.

In this post, we’ll cover:

Garden bed cleanup – clearing out weeds, old plants, and prepping the soil
Tool organization – making sure everything is in working order and easy to access
Prepping your space – setting up for efficient planting and a smooth growing season

Cleaning Up Your Garden Beds

Why It’s Important

A well-maintained garden bed sets the foundation for a productive growing season. Cleaning up spent plant material, managing weeds, and refreshing the soil surface help prevent pests and diseases while creating a healthy environment for new growth—all without disturbing the soil structure. No-till gardening preserves beneficial microbes, improves soil health, and supports long-term fertility.

Step-by-Step Guide

Remove dead plants and weeds carefully – Instead of pulling out plants by the roots, cut them at the base, leaving the roots in place to decompose naturally and feed the soil. For weeds, smother them with mulch rather than disturbing the soil.
Trim back perennials and prune shrubs – Cut back dead or damaged stems on perennials and shrubs to encourage strong regrowth.
Layer organic matter on top – Rather than turning the soil, add a fresh layer of compost, aged mulch, or well-rotted leaves on top to nourish the soil and retain moisture.
Check for compacted areas – If some spots seem overly compacted, gently aerate the surface with a broadfork or garden fork without flipping the soil.

Instead of raking away leaves and old mulch, chop them up and let them break down in place, adding nutrients back into the soil while maintaining its natural ecosystem.

Organizing Your Gardening Tools

Why It’s Important

Taking the time to clean and organize your gardening tools at the start of the season makes everything run more smoothly. Sharp, well-maintained tools make tasks easier, prevent plant damage, and extend the life of your equipment. Ideally, this step happens at the end of the season, but life gets busy, and sometimes tools get put away in a hurry. If that sounds familiar, now is the perfect time to get things back in order so you can start the season on the right track.

How to Clean & Store Tools

Wash dirt and debris off tools – Use a stiff brush and warm, soapy water to clean off any caked-on soil. Dry tools completely to prevent rust.
Remove rust and sharpen blades – Scrub away rust with steel wool or a wire brush. Sharpen pruners, shovels, and hoes with a sharpening file or stone to keep them working efficiently.
Oil moving parts – Apply a light coat of oil to hinges and metal surfaces of pruners, shears, and other tools to keep them functioning smoothly and rust-free.
Store tools properly – If tools were tossed into the shed or garage in a rush last season, take a few minutes to organize them. Hang them on a pegboard, use hooks, or store them in a bin where they’re easy to access but protected from the elements.

Keep a garden tote stocked with your go-to tools—like pruners, gloves, a trowel, and twine—so you don’t have to search for them every time you head out to the garden.

Preparing Your Growing Space

Garden Beds & Raised Beds

A well-prepped growing space sets the stage for a productive season. Since you follow a no-till approach, focus on feeding the soil from the top down and ensuring your beds are structurally ready for planting.

Refresh soil with compost and amendments – Add a layer of compost, worm castings, or organic mulch to nourish the soil without disturbing its structure.
Test soil pH and nutrients – Use a soil test kit to check pH and nutrient levels, then adjust as needed with organic amendments.
Repair any damaged garden structures – Inspect and fix trellises, raised beds, and garden borders to ensure they’re sturdy and ready to support plant growth.

Greenhouses, Sheds & Storage Areas

A tidy workspace makes gardening more enjoyable and efficient.

Declutter old supplies – Toss expired seeds, broken pots, and products you no longer use.
Organize fertilizers, pest control, and soil amendments – Store supplies in labeled containers for easy access.
Make a checklist of supplies needed – Take inventory of what you have and jot down anything you need to restock before the season is in full swing.

Pro Tip

Label seed packets clearly and create a planting calendar to stay on track with what to start indoors, direct sow, and succession plant over the next few months.

Planning for a Successful Growing Season

A little planning now can make a big difference in how smoothly your garden runs throughout the season. Taking inventory, mapping out your space, and setting up a maintenance schedule will help you stay organized and maximize your harvest.

Take Inventory of Seeds & Plants

Before buying new seeds, go through what you already have.

Check seed packets for expiration dates and viability. Do a simple germination test if needed.
Make a list of seeds and plants you need to purchase.
Consider swapping seeds with other gardeners to add variety to your garden without overspending.

Map Out Your Garden Layout

Thoughtful planning can help improve plant health, maximize space, and increase yields.

Companion planting – Pair plants that support each other’s growth while deterring pests (e.g., basil with tomatoes, marigolds with vegetables).
Crop rotation – Rotate plant families each year to reduce disease and nutrient depletion.
Succession planting – Plan staggered plantings of fast-growing crops like lettuce, radishes, and carrots for continuous harvests.

Create a Garden Maintenance Schedule

Staying on top of garden tasks prevents overwhelm later in the season.

Outline weekly or monthly tasks for watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management.
Plan for seasonal chores like mulching, trellising, and harvesting.
Set reminders or keep a garden journal to track progress and make adjustments as needed.

Pro Tip

Use a garden planner or app to keep track of planting dates, spacing, and maintenance tasks to stay organized all season long.

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your garden and set yourself up for a productive growing season. By cleaning up garden beds, organizing tools, preparing your growing space, and planning ahead, you’ll create a strong foundation for healthy plants and bountiful harvests.

Taking small steps now will save time and effort later, making your gardening experience more enjoyable and stress-free. So, grab your tools, make your plan, and get started!