Summer is right around the corner, and if you want your flower bed or vegetable gardens to flourish, some spring work is generally required. Don’t worry, we’ve got some recommendations on what to do and where to get seeds.

Inspect Your Garden

According to PennState Extension, the first thing you should do is inspect your garden. This would include walking around your garden and noting what you need to pull, prune, buy, etc.

Prune, Pull Weeds, and Clear Out The Garden

Clearing out the garden of any branches and leaves, pulling those pesky weeds, and pruning give you a better idea of what your garden currently looks like and help certain plants grow.

“You may shape up your evergreens such as boxwood and arborvitae if you wish. At this time, prune shrubs that bloom on new growth, such as panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata). Roses also bloom on new growth—wait, however, to prune them until after their buds begin to swell to avoid damage from a late frost. Do not prune spring flowering shrubs like azalea, forsythia, and lilac or you will risk cutting off this year's flower buds. Prune them after they have finished flowering,” the website says.

Prepare The Soil

To help ensure good growth, make sure to include compost in your garden. PennState warns about adding fertilizer if your flowers are already blooming because “you will encourage bulb rot and may shorten the life of the flowers.”

Adding New Plants

Adding something new to your garden can be a fun, challenging, and exciting endeavor. Here are a few recommendations for places to look for new plants or seeds:

• Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center

• West Lebanon Feed & Supply

• Gardener's Supply Company

• Dandelion Acres Garden Center