Clean out the garden.
It's time to clean your garden and remove all the debris (leaves, leftover snow, etc.) Get rid of weeds, making sure that you get the roots so they won't grow back.
Revitalize the soil.
Because your soil is likely dried out and packed after winter, it's time to add moisture. Add organic material like compost or manure.
Trim old plants.
Plants that survived the winter will need to be pruned so they'll grow anew in the spring. Make sure to wait until mid-April or May in case there's an unexpected freeze. Blooming plants should be pruned right after they bloom to avoid cutting off future flowers.
Add mulch.
In addition to fertilizers and organic materials, you should think about adding mulch to your flower beds and garden. One to three inches of mulch helps to prevent weeds and diseases. It also keeps the moisture in the garden and maintains the temperature.
Plant new flowers and shrubs.
Once you've gotten the garden in shape and handled all of the old plants, it's time to turn your attention to new plants. Some recommendations for good spring plants include:
Pansies
Snapdragons
Vegetables like lettuce, peas and arugula
Redbuds
Transplanting tomato plants from indoor pots to outside
Lilacs
Tulips
You should lean towards planting more perennials rather than annuals, because annuals have to be replaced every year. This means you're making an investment in plants that will die every year and require replacement. Perennials, on the other hand, last for two to three years.
