Preparing your garden for spring in Derry, New Hampshire, is a bit like getting ready for a party—you can’t just throw open the doors and hope for the best. Planning, cleaning, and some elbow grease are involved, but the payoff is worth it. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting, these essential tasks will help you make the most of your garden this spring.

1. Clean Up Winter’s Leftovers

First things first—clear out the remnants of winter. That means removing dead leaves, branches, and any debris that might have accumulated in your yard or garden beds. Think of it as giving your garden a fresh haircut. If you spot any perennials that didn’t survive the harsh New Hampshire winter, now’s the time to remove them, too. Don’t forget to check for signs of snow mold or other lawn diseases that might have crept in during the colder months.

2. Test Your Soil

Here’s a pro tip: Not all soil is created equal. Before you dive into planting, test your soil to see what nutrients it might be missing. You can grab a DIY soil testing kit or send a sample to your local extension service for analysis. Knowing whether your soil needs calcium, potassium, or other amendments will save you headaches later on. Remember, healthy soil equals happy plants.

3. Prune Like a Pro

Spring is the perfect time to prune trees and shrubs—but don’t go overboard! Focus on removing dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth. If you’ve got flowering shrubs, make sure to wait until after they bloom before pruning; otherwise, you’ll cut off this year’s flowers before they even get a chance to shine.

4. Plan Your Planting

In Derry’s Zone 5 climate, timing is everything. Start by deciding which plants you want to grow this year—vegetables like peas and lettuce can go into the ground as soon as it’s workable, while warm-weather crops like tomatoes and peppers should wait until after the last frost (usually mid-May). Don’t forget to rotate your crops if you’re growing vegetables; this helps prevent soil depletion and keeps pests guessing.

5. Feed Your Lawn

Early spring is your next best bet if you didn’t fertilize your lawn last fall. Use a slow-release fertilizer tailored to cool-season grasses common in New Hampshire. Be careful not to overdo it—too much fertilizer can lead to weak grass and runoff issues. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for pesky lawn pests that might be waking up from their winter slumber.

6. Start Composting

If you’re not already composting, now’s a great time to start. Composting turns kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich food for your plants—and it’s easier than you think! Set up a compost bin in a sunny spot and add fruit peels, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and leaves. Just avoid meat or dairy products—they don’t play well with compost piles.

7. Mulch Matters

Mulching isn’t just about aesthetics (though it does make your garden look polished). A good layer of mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature—all crucial in New Hampshire’s unpredictable spring weather. Use organic mulch like wood chips or straw around trees, shrubs, and flower beds for best results.

8. Set Up Irrigation Systems

Spring is also the time to check your irrigation system—or set one up if you don’t have one yet. Drip irrigation systems are especially efficient and can save water while keeping your plants hydrated. If you use hoses or sprinklers instead, inspect them for leaks before the growing season kicks into gear.

9. Get Your Tools in Shape

Before you dig in (literally), make sure your tools are ready for action. Sharpen blades on pruners and shovels, oil moving parts on shears, and replace anything that’s seen better days. Trust me—nothing slows down gardening like a rusty trowel or dull clippers.

10. Join the Community Spirit

Gardening doesn’t have to be a solo activity! Derry has many opportunities to connect with fellow gardeners through community gardens or local events. Sharing tips (and maybe even some extra seedlings) with neighbors can make gardening more fun—and who knows? You might pick up some new tricks along the way.

Why Gardening in Derry Is Worth It

Spring gardening isn’t just about pretty flowers or fresh veggies—it’s about creating a space where life blooms all around you. In Derry, New Hampshire, the sense of community combined with the area’s natural beauty makes gardening an experience worth savoring every year.

So grab those gloves and get started—your garden (and maybe even your neighbors) will thank you!

Source: lawnstarter.com   
Header Image Source: Jacob Thomas on Unsplash