As winter in Arizona quickly fades away, the promise of spring brings new life to gardens and lawns. Before the season is in full swing it’s the perfect time to get a head start on preparing your outdoor spaces for a season of growth and enjoyment. A healthy garden is the result of good planning and proper care. In Arizona and nationwide, spring lawn and garden prep includes various steps. Here are some essential tips we put together to help get your lawn and garden in perfect shape for the warmer months to come.

Watering: Essential for Lawn and Garden Growth

Watering is essential for stimulating growth – especially if you are adding new flowers, shrubs or trees. It encourages deep-root development and prepares grass for the hotter summer months. Watering your plants consistently without overwatering will allow plants to flourish while conserving this precious resource. The Arizona heat, combined with the limited rainfall the past few years, has residents wanting a healthy garden being forced to navigate the environmental challenges. Selecting more drought-resistant plants that require less water coupled with the following watering recommendations, will help support a healthy garden.

Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Water deeply to encourage root growth.
Adjust your watering schedule as the weather gets warmer; it helps prevent overwatering that can cause runoff .
Inspect irrigation systems for damage and fix broken emitters and/or drip lines.
Consider installing a rain barrel to collect water because it allows for water to be collected to be used on your lawn.

Fertilizing: Strengthening Roots and Promoting Growth for Lawn and Garden

Fertilizing provides essential nutrients that encourage healthy growth in both your lawn and garden. Whether you're nurturing your grass or cultivating flowers, applying fertilizer boosts root strength and stimulates new growth.

Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth
Test your soil to determine nutrient levels and what type of fertilizer you should use
Avoid fertilizing too early in the season as it can divert plant energy

Application: Use a manual spreader to apply fertilizer at a slow, low rate. Then, apply only to the perimeter of your lawn, then move to the middle. Rotate and apply layers perpendicularly and mix granular fertilizer in the top few inches of the soil. Finally, make sure you water your lawn a few days before applying fertilizer.

Trimming: Enhancing Lawn Health and Garden Appearance

Trimming is essential for maintaining the shape and health of both your lawn and garden. Regularly trimming plants and grass helps prevent overgrowth, encourages strong growth, and allows more sunlight to reach the soil, benefiting both types of greenery.

Trim overgrown foliage and stray branches to improve the shape of plants and allow more sunlight to reach the soil
Remove debris such as sticks and twigs
Make sure no more than one-third of the grass blades should be cut at a time

Mowing: Maintaining a Healthy Lawn and Garden Environment

Mowing is a key task for keeping your lawn healthy and looking sharp, and it also impacts your garden’s ecosystem. Mowing encourages thicker grass, prevents weeds, and creates a clean environment for your plants to thrive, creating vibrant colors in your lawn and flowers.

Make sure you mow in the evening when it's cooler and the grass is dry.
Mow as often as needed, but avoid mowing drought-stressed turf.
Alternate mowing patterns to optimize growth.
Mowing wet grass can lead to uneven cuts.

Weed Control: Preventing Weeds

Weeds are often the first to take advantage of a freshly prepared lawn or garden bed. Getting a head start on weed control is key to keeping them from taking over.

Pre-emergent Weed Killer: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring to prevent weeds like crabgrass and dandelions from sprouting. Be sure to follow the label instructions for optimal results.

Spot Treatment for Established Weeds: For weeds that have already taken root, use a post-emergent herbicide or remove them manually. Bug & Weed Mart offers both organic and chemical options for spot treatments.

Aeration: Ensure Proper Nutrients for your Garden and Lawn

Aeration improves the flow of air, water, and nutrients to the roots of both grass and garden plants. By relieving compacted soil, aeration allows both your lawn and garden to thrive with better access to essential resources.

Best time to aerate: Early to mid-spring when the grass is actively growing.
Use a core aerator to remove small plugs of soil, allowing better absorption of nutrients and moisture.
Follow up with overseeding if your lawn has bare spots, ensuring a thicker, healthier lawn.

Mulching: Benefits Lawn and Garden Health

Mulching is an effective way to retain moisture, prevent weeds, and improve soil health for both your lawn and garden. By applying mulch, you create a protective layer that benefits the environment and enhances the beauty of your outdoor space.

Choose organic mulch like wood chips, straw, or bark to add nutrients to the soil.
Apply a 2–3-inch layer around plants and trees, keeping mulch away from direct contact with stems to prevent rot.
Replenish mulch as needed to maintain a fresh and tidy appearance.

Pest Control: Protect your Plants and Lawn from Pests

Spring is when pests begin to emerge, threatening the health of both your lawn and garden. Early pest control prevents damage and ensures a healthy, thriving outdoor space.

Inspect for common pests like grubs, aphids, and beetles.
Use natural predators like ladybugs to keep harmful insect populations under control.
Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for an organic solution to pest problems.

By following these simple yet effective tips, you can set your lawn and garden up for a successful spring. Now’s the time to take action – whether it’s watering, fertilizing, or trimming, your efforts today will lead to a vibrant outdoor space tomorrow. Start preparing now and watch your landscape flourish.

Need expert help or advice? Our team of DIY pest and weed control experts is available five days a week at your nearest Bug & Weed Mart store to answer any questions you may have. We are always happy to make product recommendations and show you how to get the best results.