🌱 Preparing Your Ontario Garden for Spring
It’s almost time to put the snow shovels away! With March arriving, spring is just around the corner, and although Ontario weather can be tricky, there is plenty to do to get a head start on the growing season. The key to a successful Ontario garden is working with nature’s timetable, not against it.
The Gardens of Uxbridge Tour committee is already deep in garden planning mode. Host gardens for this year’s 2026 garden tour are being finalized and garden events are being dreamed up for an extra special tour experience. This will be the 30th edition of the Gardens of Uxbridge Tour!
Here is your March checklist to turn that “winter” yard into a spring paradise.
1. The “Wait and See” Cleanup
While it’s tempting to rake everything immediately, hold off until the ground is dry to avoid compacting the soil.
- Wait for the Dry Soil: Once the ground isn’t muddy, gently rake the lawn to remove dead leaves and thatch.
- Remove Protective Covers: Take off burlap or protective coverings from shrubs and evergreens.
- Check for Frost Heave: The freeze-thaw cycle can push perennials up, exposing their roots. Press these back into the soil gently to prevent them from drying out.
2. Prune Wisely
March is prime time for pruning, but you must know what you are cutting.
- Do It Now: Prune fruit trees (apple, cherry, pear) and summer-flowering shrubs like hydrangeas, roses, and burning bush.
- Wait Until Later: Do NOT prune spring-blooming shrubs like Forsythia, Lilac, or Magnolias yet—you will cut off this year’s flowers.
3. Start Seeds Indoors (The March Head-Start)
With Ontario’s short season, starting seeds indoors is essential for a big harvest.
- Early March: Start peppers and onions, which need a long, slow start.
- Late March: Start tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and herbs like parsley and basil.
4. The “Crumble Test” & Soil Prep
As soon as the ground can be worked—meaning it doesn’t hold together in a muddy ball when you squeeze it—you can prep your beds.
- Amend the Soil: Spread a 1–2 inch layer of compost or aged manure over your beds to replenish nutrients.
- Direct Sow Outdoors: If the soil is workable, you can directly sow peas, spinach, radishes, and carrots in late March.
5. Clean & Sharpen Tools
Before the heavy work begins, get your gear ready. Clean your pruners, sharpen shovels, and check that your hoses haven’t cracked over the winter.
Pro Tip for Ontario: Keep a watchful eye on the forecast! We have all experienced a “snow-spring” in April. Be prepared to cover early sprouts if a late frost hits.
Happy Gardening!
Summary of March Tasks (Quick List)
- Remove winter protections (burlap)
- Prune fruit trees and summer-flowering shrubs
- Start tomatoes, peppers, and herbs indoors
- Direct sow peas and spinach (if ground is dry)
- Add compost to garden beds
- Clean tools
