As the snow finally recedes and the soil begins to thaw, Southern Ontario gardens are waking up. Late March to early April marks the true beginning of the gardening season here in Toronto. It’s a time for fresh air, muddy boots, and the satisfaction of setting the stage for a vibrant growing season ahead.
Spring Cleanups Begin
The first major task of the season is clearing out winter’s leftovers. That means removing fallen branches, raking up dead leaves, and cutting back any perennial plants that were left standing for winter interest. Clearing out last year’s debris helps prevent pests and disease while allowing new growth to emerge freely.
Time to Prune
Early spring is the ideal time to prune many shrubs and small trees—especially those that bloom on new growth like roses, dogwood, or panicle hydrangeas. Avoid pruning spring-blooming shrubs like lilacs and forsythia just yet, as they’ve already set their flower buds. Instead, wait until after they bloom to give them a trim.
Mulching & Soil Health
Once the ground has dried out a bit (usually by early to mid-April), it’s a great time to top up garden beds with fresh mulch. Mulching not only suppresses weeds and retains moisture, but also gives your garden a clean, well-tended look. Consider adding compost or organic soil amendments as well—your plants will thank you.
Planning & Planting
Now’s the time to dream! Early spring is perfect for planning garden upgrades or new landscaping projects. You can also start cool-season crops like lettuce, kale, and peas, and begin hardening off seedlings if you’ve started them indoors. Hardy perennials and native plants can often be planted as soon as the soil is workable.
Final Thoughts
Spring is a time of renewal, and in the garden, every small act of care makes a big difference. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a landscaping team to help, this early part of the season lays the foundation for beauty and abundance in the months to come.
If you’re looking for help with spring cleanup, pruning, or planning a new garden bed, we’d be happy to hear from you. At Wind Whistle Landscaping, we love this season—and we’d love to help you make the most of it.