Getting Ready for Spring Gardening: What to Prep Before Planting Season Begins

1. Take Inventory of Seeds You Already Have

Before buying anything new, start with what’s already in your stash.

What to check:

• Expiration dates or “packed for” dates

• Seed condition (moisture damage, mold, pests)

• How many seeds remain in each packet

Tip:
Most seeds are still viable beyond the date on the packet, especially tomatoes, peppers, and greens. If you’re unsure, plan to do a quick germination test indoors.

Action Step:
Create a simple list or spreadsheet with:

• Vegetable / flower name

• Variety

• Year purchased

• Approximate quantity remaining

This alone can prevent unnecessary seed purchases.

2. Decide What You’ll Grow This Year

Once you know what seeds you already have, decide what actually makes sense for your garden this season.

Ask yourself:

• What grew well last year?

• What didn’t thrive?

• What does your household actually eat?

• Do you want to focus on fresh eating, preserving, or both?

Pro Tip:
Choose a few reliable “staples” (like tomatoes, herbs, greens) and then add one or two fun or experimental plants — not the other way around.

3. Organize Your Seed Inventory

Organization saves time and money all season long.

Simple seed storage ideas:

• Photo storage boxes with labeled sections

• Index card boxes

• Small envelopes inside a binder or accordion folder

Organize by:

• Plant type (greens, root crops, nightshades, herbs)

• Or planting time (early spring, late spring, summer)

Keeping seeds visible helps you use what you already own instead of rebuying duplicates.

4. Check Your Gardening Supplies

Before spring hits, take stock of your tools and supplies.

Inventory check:

• Gloves (holes? missing?)

• Hand tools (clean, rust-free?)

• Seed trays or pots

• Labels or markers

• Soil or compost on hand

Money-saving tip:
Clean and reuse trays and pots from previous seasons instead of buying new ones.

5. Plan Your Garden Layout

You don’t need a perfect garden map — just a rough plan.

Consider:

• Crop rotation from last year

• Sun exposure

• Spacing requirements

• Companion planting (optional)

Even a simple sketch helps prevent overcrowding and forgotten plantings.

6. Prep Soil Early (Weather Permitting)

If conditions allow:

• Remove old plant debris

• Top beds with compost

• Loosen compacted soil

• Cover beds to warm the soil earlier

Healthy soil now means stronger plants later.

7. Make a Simple Spring Gardening Checklist

End your prep with a short checklist you can revisit:

✔ Seeds inventoried
✔ Garden plan decided
✔ Supplies checked
✔ Beds prepped or scheduled
✔ Planting dates noted

This keeps you focused and prevents overwhelm.

Closing Thoughts

Spring gardening doesn’t start in spring — it starts with preparation. Taking time now to organize your seeds, plan your garden, and prep supplies sets you up for a smoother, more productive growing season. And best of all, it helps you garden intentionally and frugally.