Spring Garden Timeline
Contributed by Jolene Ottosen for the Chaparral Green Thumbs
Every year, I publish a spring planting guide, considering it a sufficient start-up resource for the season. However, this year, I want to expand on it, as preparing a yard for spring involves much more than just planting a vegetable garden.
While this article provides a general timeline, please keep in mind that spring conditions in Calgary vary from year to year, and the timing is highly dependent on the weather.
Early Spring
Early spring can mean the beginning of April or a few weeks later. I consider it to have arrived when temperatures consistently warm up, the snow has melted, and nighttime temperatures remain above 0°C.
While it may be tempting to clear out dead foliage from fall, resist the urge for now—this ground cover helps protect tender new growth from unexpected cold snaps. Instead, focus on watering your trees and bushes. Calgary typically receives little snowfall, so mature plants benefit from a deep, slow watering to allow moisture to reach the roots rather than running off.
At this stage, you can also begin planting seeds for annuals that dislike being transplanted. Be mindful of where you’ve planted spring bulbs—crocuses are often the first to emerge, followed by grape hyacinth and squill. Tulips, daffodils, and alliums appear a little later, while irises and anemones bloom closer to summer.
Mid Spring
As temperatures continue to rise, you may feel tempted to start putting plants outdoors. However, Calgary’s nights can still be quite cold. If you can’t resist, be prepared to bring pots indoors each evening, or opt for hardy pansies, which tolerate temperature fluctuations well.
As your lawn dries out, begin raking any remaining fall leaves, but only when the soil is dry, walking on damp soil compacts it, making it harder for plants to thrive. At this stage, you can also start removing some debris from around perennial crowns but avoid clearing everything completely.
This is also a suitable time to prune evergreens and shrubs that can be trimmed year-round.
Late Spring
By late April or early May, as temperatures continue to warm, it’s time to set up rain barrels and reattach eavestroughs. You can also finish clearing away any remaining dead foliage from fall.
Once leaves have emerged and flowers have bloomed, complete any necessary tree pruning. When doing so, check for signs of fungus or disease, such as black knot, and follow proper pruning and disposal methods.
Around the May long weekend (or the week after), it is typically safe to begin planting in earnest. However, keep an eye on nighttime temperatures and be prepared to protect young plants if needed.
As always, happy gardening!
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