Spring Fever? Not So Fast! How to Prep Your Colorado Springs Garden & Yard in March

March in Colorado Springs can be a tease. One day, the sun is shining, and you’re ready to break out the gardening gloves. The next, a winter storm reminds you that spring isn’t quite here yet. While planting too early is a rookie mistake (our unpredictable freezes can ruin your hard work), that doesn’t mean you have to sit idly by. There’s plenty you can do right now to set up your garden and yard for a season of blooms, fresh veggies, and lush landscaping!

1. Clear Out the Old & Make Way for the New

Before new growth begins, take some time to chop down last year’s perennials, dried-up plants, and any lingering debris. You’ve got two eco-friendly options: toss them into the compost or use the chop-and-drop method. This means cutting them up and leaving them on the ground to act as a natural mulch, which helps return nutrients to the soil while protecting it from erosion. Think of it as nature’s way of recycling!

2. Cover That Bare Soil—It’s More Important Than You Think

Exposed soil is like an abandoned house—lifeless, vulnerable, and just waiting for problems (hello, weeds!). To keep it healthy and thriving, cover it up with mulch, leaves, straw, or even last year’s plant cuttings. This keeps moisture in, prevents erosion, and gives beneficial microbes and worms a cozy place to work their magic.

3. Prep Your Lawn for a Greener Spring

Your lawn is just as important as your garden! Rake up leftover leaves and debris, aerate compacted soil to improve root growth, and apply a pre-emergent weed treatment if necessary. If you notice any bare patches, now’s a great time to reseed or apply a light layer of compost to boost soil health before grass starts growing in full force.

4. Trim & Shape Your Trees and Shrubs

Late winter to early spring is the best time to prune trees and shrubs before they start actively growing. Remove dead, diseased, or overgrown branches to improve their shape and health. If you have fruit trees, strategic pruning now can lead to a better harvest later! Be sure to research the best pruning techniques for each type of plant to avoid unnecessary stress.

5. Give Your Compost Some Love

If you’ve been diligently composting, now’s the time to check in on your pile. Give it a good turn to speed up decomposition, and if it’s ready (dark, crumbly, and rich in smell), start spreading it over your garden beds. Not only does compost add nutrients to your soil, but it also boosts water retention and creates the perfect environment for healthy plants.

6. Start Seeds Indoors—Because Patience Pays Off

March might not be planting season outside for us here in Colorado Springs, but it’s prime time to start seeds indoors! Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and even some flowers can get a head start under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill. By the time the real planting season arrives, you’ll have strong, ready-to-go seedlings instead of starting from scratch. Future you will thank you!

7. Plan Your Garden & Landscaping Like a Pro

Don’t just wing it—take some time to map out your garden and yard. Every property has its own microclimates, so observe where the sun hits and where shady spots linger. Some plants, like spinach and lettuce, prefer a bit of shade, while sun-lovers like tomatoes and peppers need full exposure. Also, consider adding native plants and drought-resistant landscaping to make your yard more sustainable and low-maintenance.

8. Refresh Your Hardscaping & Outdoor Spaces

March is a great time to start cleaning patios, walkways, and decks. Power wash surfaces, pull weeds from paver cracks, and make any necessary repairs to fences, raised garden beds, or outdoor furniture before peak gardening season arrives.

9. Sharpen Those Tools & Check Your Irrigation

A little maintenance now saves frustration later. Make sure your pruners are sharp, your trowels aren’t rusting, and your garden hoses don’t have any sneaky leaks. If you have an irrigation system, check for clogs or damage before you need it in the warmer months. If you use a drip irrigation system for your garden, test it now to avoid issues when the growing season is in full swing.

Spring Is Coming—Get Ready to Grow!

March may not be full-on gardening season yet, but it’s the perfect time to prep your garden, lawn, and outdoor spaces. By tackling these tasks now, you’ll be ahead of the game when warm weather finally arrives. So embrace the sunshine when it peeks out, get your hands a little dirty, and dream of the lush, thriving landscape that’s just around the corner!

Thinking about a new garden in a new home? Let’s make it happen!

📞 Tim Coen – 719-337-3901