The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, which can only mean one thing: spring is right around the corner! If you’re like most, you’re probably looking forward to peeling off those layers and spending some much-needed time outdoors. And, if you have a yard, it can make an incredible oasis for relaxing, sunbathing or even hosting a get-together (wine tasting, anyone?). Time to get your yard spring ready!

There’s just one tiny problem — you’ve neglected your yard all winter, and it may or may not be in a complete state of chaos. Fret not, aspiring green thumbs! We talked to gardening pro Dee, known as storyteller_3698 on Instagram for some tips.

A bit about Dee: “Connecting with mother nature is my way of keeping my vibration high and remembering that I have so much to be grateful for. Being out in nature has inspired me to create audio to improve people’s mental health and inspire them to live within their individual greatness.”

Get Your Yard Spring Ready: The Prep

But before you put on those gardening gloves, Dee encourages making a plan to set you up for success. “When starting out with your lawn and garden, I would map out a plan of where you will plant certain plants based on the path of the sun in your yard,” she says.

“This is so high key because my first year, I wasted so many seeds planting them in a spot that didn’t receive enough solar rays to maintain the growing process. So mapping out your yard on paper is very beneficial.”

With a plan in-hand, check out these five easy steps to get a head start on your spring cleaning and help you get your yard spring ready.

1. Clean Up Your Yard by Removing Debris

One of the best ways to get your yard spring ready is to clean it up and remove any clutter. “The most damage I have had after the winter months is mainly the dead leaves building up everywhere,” says Dee. “Fallen leaves can provide cover but they also attract bugs that can eat your plants and flowers.”

Other lawn debris can include leaves, branches, and other stray items. Make sure to rake up any leaves and dispose of them properly.

You can also use a leaf blower to get rid of any leaves or other debris. If you have any branches or other debris, you can use a chainsaw to cut them up and then dispose of them.

2. Trim Overgrown Plants or Trees

If you have any overgrown plants or trees in your yard, it’s time to trim them back. Overgrown plants and trees can be unsightly, block your view of the street or other houses, and they can make your yard look disorganized.

Trim any overgrown plants or trees using the following steps:
1. Decide which plants or trees need to be trimmed.
2. Cut the branches back using a saw or clippers.
3. Dispose of the branches properly.
4. Prune the plants or trees as needed.

If you’re not comfortable trimming plants or trees, feel free to dial a professional to do it for you — or persuade your bestie with their favorite Postmates order and drinks.

3. Add Fresh Mulch to Your Flower Beds

Adding fresh mulch is a great way to keep your flower beds looking nice all year long. When it comes to deciding how much, Dee recommends more is better.

“I’ve learned to no be skimp with the ground cover because weeds will fight through one layer in no time and the mulch will keep the roots hydrated longer. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, and it also helps to suppress weed growth.”

4. Weed Your Garden and Planting Beds

According to Dee, “pulling up the weeds that would choke out plants and flowers is key for healthy new growth.” Be sure to get all the weeds, including the roots, so they don’t come back.

Once the weeds are gone, you can start planting your flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Be sure to read the planting instructions carefully, so you plant them in the right place and at the right depth.

5. Add New Plants and Flowers to Your Yard

Adding new plants and flowers to your yard can really brighten up the space and make it more inviting. It’s also much more eco-friendly than purchasing flowers. And we think you’ll agree — there’s nothing like the sweet, aromatic perfume of fresh flowers to enjoy outside. If you are looking for some ideas, here are a few options to consider:

1. Sunflowers: These cheerful flowers are a great addition to any yard, and they grow tall so they can be seen from a distance.

2. Lupines: These delicate flowers come in a variety of colors, and they add a touch of elegance to any garden.

3. Roses: Roses come in a variety of colors and sizes, and they are perfect for adding a touch of romance to your yard.

4. Daisies: These cheerful flowers are a great way to add some color to your yard, and they are easy to grow.

Dreaming about harvesting your own fresh herbs for your favorite recipes but not sure where to start? “I recommend an herb garden consisting of cilantro, basil, sage, rosemary and peppermint to start the season,” suggests Dee.

“These herbs, once they get rooted, will basically grow themselves. You can even start a clipping of these herbs in some water to grow fuller roots before you pick a moderately sunny area in your yard [to plant them].”