It's a cold winter's day here in the Central Valley. But instead of curling up in a cozy chair with a cup of tea, I'm out in my garden, planning and prepping for my spring planting. For me, this is the fun part, walking the gardens, looking at the raised beds, empty pots, and bare earth. I imagine what I'll place where, and jot down what needs to be done to prepare these spaces. Then it's inside to peruse the seed catalogs and online sites, make notes, and dream about the coming spring.

Planning your garden now, I feel, will save you headaches and money, come spring. By taking the time to understand how much space you have (or don't have), whether or not you wish to plant directly in ground or containers, or a combination thereof, and what types of plants grow best in your area, you'll only purchase what you need. In addition, you can decide whether or not you wish to devote the time to starting your seeds indoors or in a greenhouse, plant the seeds directly in the garden beds, or if transplants are the way you wish to go.

Some other things you'll need to take into consideration when planning your spring garden is how much sun you have in each of the proposed planting areas. If uncertain, take a look at the surroundings now. While you'll not be able to gage precisely how much sun they'll have come spring and summer, you can take note of things that could possibly shade them or hinder the sun from reaching them. Are there a lot of trees in the area that will shade them once their leaves have returned? Will that patio cover keep the sun from reaching them? Perhaps the arbor next to the west bed will be covered in greenery when the Wisteria blooms, blocking out the sun. If you are contemplating shade plants, are there locations that may be too sunny for them? Taking the time to scope out the positioning for your new plants will give them the best chance to grow and thrive.

If you are thinking of planting spring veggies, take under consideration what you and your family will actually eat. If the kids detest string beans, then planting a huge area full of them is probably not a good use of the space, your time, or money.  However, if zucchini is something you eat frequently, then two mounds may serve you better than one.

Winter is the best time to prepare your planting areas for your spring garden. Whether you are planting flowers, or veggies, in raised beds, containers, or in ground, getting your soil ready now is key. The time you spend this winter prepping and amending means that you'll be able to plant immediately once the threat of frost has passed (usually around mid-March here.) In addition, placing amendments, such as steer or chicken manures, in your garden now will give them a chance to “mellow” and break down, so that the soil is ready for transplants and/or seeds.

Now is also a good time to get control of any weeds in your proposed planting areas. Removing any weeds now, before the weather gets warmer and they decide to seed, means less work for you come spring and summer. I like to get down, move the soil with a trowel, and pull out any stray roots or seeds that I see. You may even find grubs and larvae of Hoplia beetles that you can remove, saving your precious roses and flowers this spring.

Many of us reuse our favorite pots and containers year after year. As such, these pots will need some TLC and prep as well. All the old soil will need to be removed and the pot cleaned with a solution of one-part bleach to nine parts water. Submerge in solution and soak for at least 10 minutes. This sterilizes them, removing any insects or diseases from the previous plant in the pot. 

Planning and prepping your garden now for your spring planting will give you that head start to a successful, satisfying, and fun gardening adventure. So, get out your seed catalogs, notebook, and take a walk in your yard or garden space, and imagine all the possibilities. Happy Gardening!