As winter loosens its grip on Pittsburgh, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your spring garden. At Apodaca Gardens and Grounds, we know how important it is to prepare early so your landscape blooms beautifully when the season changes. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a first-time gardener, taking the right steps in early spring will set the tone for a vibrant, healthy yard all season long.
1. Clean Up Debris and Winter Damage
Winter can leave behind a mess — from fallen branches and leaves to compacted soil and snow-damaged plants. Start by:
- Clearing leaves, twigs, and debris from your lawn, garden beds, and around trees.
- Cutting back dead or damaged stems from perennials, shrubs, and ornamental grasses.
- Removing any leftover annuals from the previous season.
This allows new growth to emerge freely and improves air circulation around your plants, reducing the risk of disease.
2. Test and Enrich Your Soil
Pittsburgh’s winters can alter your soil’s nutrient levels and pH balance. A simple soil test can tell you what your garden needs. Based on your results, you may want to:
- Add compost or aged manure to improve soil structure.
- Apply lime or sulfur to adjust pH.
- Use organic fertilizers to boost nutrients and encourage strong root development.
Healthy soil is the foundation of any thriving garden — don’t skip this step.
3. Divide and Transplant Perennials
Early spring is an ideal time to divide overcrowded perennials such as hostas, daylilies, and irises. Doing this promotes better blooming and allows you to expand your garden without buying new plants. It’s also a great time to transplant shrubs and small trees before they begin active growth.
4. Prune Trees and Shrubs
Before new buds fully emerge, pruning helps shape your plants, remove dead wood, and encourage vigorous new growth. Focus on:
- Shrubs that flower in summer (like hydrangeas or roses)
- Fruit trees and ornamental trees
- Overgrown hedges and evergreens
Leave spring-flowering shrubs (like forsythia or lilacs) alone until after they bloom, or you might cut off their flowers.
5. Plan Your Spring Plantings
Make the most of the season by planning your garden layout now. Consider:
- Mixing early-blooming bulbs (like tulips and daffodils) with later perennials for season-long color
- Adding pollinator-friendly plants like coneflowers, bee balm, and black-eyed Susans
- Designing around sun exposure and drainage patterns in your yard
At Apodaca Gardens and Grounds, we can help you design a low-maintenance, high-impact planting plan that suits Pittsburgh’s unique climate and your personal style.
6. Refresh Mulch and Edging
Fresh mulch not only gives your beds a clean, finished look — it also suppresses weeds, locks in moisture, and protects roots. Spring is the ideal time to:
- Re-edge garden beds for a crisp look
- Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch, like shredded bark or compost
Start the Season Strong with Apodaca Gardens and Grounds
Preparing your garden in early spring ensures a healthier, more beautiful landscape through summer and fall. If you need help getting started — whether it’s soil testing, garden design, mulching, or full spring cleanup — our team is here to help.
Get in touch with Apodaca Gardens and Grounds today and let’s bring your Pittsburgh garden back to life.