Spring Garden Checklist: What To Do 4–6 Weeks Before Planting

A little prep before planting season saves you weeks of frustration later. If you’ve ever planted in a rush and then spent the next month chasing weeds, pests, and dry soil—this is your fix.

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The 4–6 week spring checklist (in order)

1) Walk your space and make a simple plan

• Note what gets full sun once trees leaf out.
• Decide what you’re growing and where (even a rough sketch helps).
• Pick one upgrade you’ll actually do this year (drip line, better mulch, fewer varieties—anything realistic).

2) Clean up—without over-cleaning

• Remove obvious trash and diseased plant material.
• Cut back perennials once you see new growth at the base.
• If you can, leave some leaf litter tucked away a bit longer—beneficial insects use it.

3) Prep soil the “easy but effective” way

• Don’t work soil when it’s soggy (compaction sticks around all season).
• Add 1–2 inches of compost and lightly rake it in.
• If you haven’t tested soil in a while, test once so you’re not guessing.

4) Refresh mulch (your low-effort weed strategy)

• Loosen old mulch, then top up.
• Keep mulch a few inches away from stems and crowns.

5) Tools + watering

• Sharpen and clean pruners.
• Check hoses/timers for leaks.
• If watering is always a chore, set up a timer now—future you will be thrilled.

Recommended gear (affiliate)

• Soil test kit

- Soil test kit (Amazon link)

• Bypass pruning shears

- Bypass pruning shears (Amazon link)

• Garden hose timer

- Garden hose timer (Amazon link)

FAQ

When should I start spring cleanup? When the ground isn’t saturated and you’re not making ruts—do it in phases.

Is compost enough or do I need fertilizer? Compost improves structure; fertilizer targets nutrients. A soil test tells you what you actually need.

Should I till in spring? Often no—top-dressing with compost and light cultivation is enough for most home gardens.