HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — As we look ahead to winter loosening its grip and the first signs of spring appearing, now is the ideal time to prepare your garden for the growing season ahead.

A little early planning and soil work can make a big difference once planting begins, setting the stage for healthier plants, stronger yields, and fewer problems later in the season. Whether you’re tending a small backyard plot or a larger garden, spring preparation is the first step toward success.

1. Clear beds with purpose

  • Pull last year’s dead veggie plants (tomatoes, squash, beans).
  • Leave roots in place if soil is frozen — they add organic matter.
  • Remove diseased debris completely (don’t compost it).
  • Mulch empty beds to protect soil structure.

 2. Feed the Soil

  • Spread 1–2 inches of compost on every bed.
  • If soil is tight clay, add:
    • shredded leaves
    • composted manure
    • worm castings
  • Lightly fork it in on thawed days — no deep tilling.

Healthy soil now = fewer pests + better yields later.

3. Get beds ready for early crops

Even though you’re not planting yet:

  • Shape rows and beds.
  • Install hoops or cold frames now.
  • Lay down black landscape fabric or cardboard where you’ll plant warm-season crops later (heats soil faster).

This shaves 2–3 weeks off spring waiting.

4. Start the right seeds indoors

Start late Feb / early Feb indoors:

  • Onions (from seed)
  • Leeks
  • Celery
  • Peppers (slow growers)

Do NOT start yet:

  • Tomatoes (late Feb / early March)
  • Squash, cucumbers, beans (direct sow later)

5. Prune and prep perennials carefully

  • Raspberries/blackberries: Remove dead canes now.
  • Asparagus: Clean up old stalks if you didn’t in fall.
  • Strawberries: Leave leaves; add straw if crowns are exposed.

Skip pruning fruit trees until late Feb / early March.

6. Plan your vegetable calendar

Late Feb–March (with protection):

  • Peas
  • Spinach
  • Lettuce
  • Radishes
  • Kale

Mid–Late April (after frost risk):

  • Potatoes
  • Onions (sets)
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage

Mid–May (safe for the Valley):

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Beans
  • Squash
  • Cucumbers

7. Common Veggie Garden Mistakes Right Now

  • Planting too early = stunted growth (cold soil matters more than air temp).
  • Over-tilling wet soil = compaction all season.
  • Ignoring crop rotation (hello disease + bugs).

The next steps:

Heading to Heritage Acres Greenhouse in Weyers Cave in April to get your plants, flowers, and gifts.

Contact them at 540-810-4602 or visit their website.