Get your soil ready, clean up your garden beds, and prepare your tools—planting season is just around the corner! While Calgary’s weather can be unpredictable, now is the ideal time to prepare your garden for the upcoming season. Spring cleanup is key to ensuring your garden thrives once the warmer weather arrives.

Here are the steps for a great spring cleanup:

1. Clear Winter Debris (Leave Some Leaves)
Remove dead plants, old foliage, and debris that could harbor pests or diseases. Consider leaving a thin layer of leaves in your garden beds, especially in floral beds, as this helps insulate perennials from late-season frosts and acts as natural mulch, enriching the soil. Just be sure not to leave too many leaves that might smother new growth. Once plants begin to emerge, gently rake away excess leaves or chop them into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.

2. Prune Trees and Shrubs
Prune dormant trees and shrubs, focusing on dead or damaged branches to encourage new growth. Avoid pruning spring-blooming plants like lilacs or forsythia too early, as this may remove buds for this year’s flowers. Be sure to follow specific pruning guidelines for each plant.

3. Rake and Aerate Your Lawn
Once the snow melts, rake away any dead leaves or debris. Lightly rake your lawn to help the grass breathe. Aerate the soil to relieve compaction from Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles, which helps nutrients and water reach the roots and promotes healthy grass growth.

4. Inspect and Clean Garden Tools
Check your gardening tools. Sharpen pruners, hoes, and shovels to ensure clean cuts. Clean off dirt and rust, and replace any broken parts so your tools are ready for planting season.

5. Prepare Your Garden Beds
Loosen up the soil and add compost or organic matter to improve soil structure and drainage. If you’re working with raised beds, top them off with fresh soil to ensure your plants have the nutrients they need once planting begins.

6. Plan Your Garden Layout
Now is the time to plan your garden layout. Consider the sunlight and water needs of each plant, and make sure to place them in the optimal spots. Early planning will help you maximize space and ensure a successful planting season.

Need Help with Your Garden?
Our team is here to assist with garden installations and maintenance. Whether you need expert advice or hands-on support, we’re ready to help you create and maintain the garden of your dreams. Fill out our garden request form to get started!