Spring is around the corner, which means it’s time to prepare your garden for another season of growth. If you’re planting native perennials, a little preparation now will set you up for success. Native plants are a fantastic addition to any garden—they support pollinators, improve soil health, and require less maintenance than non-native species. But even low-maintenance gardens need a little TLC.

Follow this simple checklist to get your garden ready for native plants this spring!

✔️ Wait for consistent warmth before cleanup: Many beneficial insects, including native bees, overwinter in dead plant material and emerge when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F). To protect these pollinators, delay garden cleanup until nighttime temperatures regularly exceed this threshold.

✔️ Trim away dead plant material: Once temperatures are consistently above 10°C, start cutting back dead stalks, flowers, and grasses from last year. This makes room for new growth and ensures your plants get plenty of sunlight.

✔️ Weed early: With warmer weather, weeds start growing just as quickly as your native plants. Take time to pull them out now before they take over your garden.

✔️ Check for winter damage: When it’s time to clean up your garden, walk through to assess winter damage, soil condition, and early signs of new growth. If you notice compacted soil, consider adding compost to boost nutrients.

✔️ Spread fresh mulch: Once cleanup begins, spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. It also gives your garden a tidy, well-maintained look.

✔️ Prune native plants (when needed): Trim back dead or damaged branches, but be mindful of early bloomers. Wait until after they flower before pruning.

✔️ Improve soil health: Healthy soil is key to a thriving garden. Add organic compost or mulch to replenish nutrients and support strong root growth.

✔️ Plan and plant new additions: Spring is the perfect time to introduce new native species that support biodiversity. Not sure what? Visit our greenhouse for a great selection of locally grown native plants!

✔️ Water wisely: If your garden is still damp from melting snow, you may not need to water yet. But once the soil dries out, start deep watering to help establish strong root systems—especially for newly planted natives.

✔️ Support pollinators: Pollinators like bees and butterflies play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Leave some bare soil for ground-nesting bees, and consider adding a bee hotel or bird feeder to attract helpful wildlife.

✔️ Keep pests in check naturally: Watch for pests and use eco-friendly methods to manage them. Companion planting, natural predators, and hand-picking pests are great alternatives to chemical treatments.

✔️ Get expert advice: Not sure where to start? Our team offers expert guidance on native plant care and ecological restoration. We can help you choose the right plants and give you tips for a successful garden.

And most importantly…

✔️ Enjoy the process: A native garden isn’t just about the plants…it’s about the ecosystem you’re creating. Take time to enjoy the renewal of your garden and the role it plays in restoring Mother Earth.

Ready to get planting? Spring is the perfect time to add native plants to your garden! Where should you start? Visit Kayanase.

Our greenhouse offers an abundance of high-quality, locally grown native plants, and our friendly staff is always excited to offer their expert advice. Reach out or stop by to get started!