Gardening in early spring: This work is due until the end of March

Created: 02/15/2022, 16:18

By: Franziska Irrgeher

Winterlings also appear slowly from February (symbol image).

© LF Postl/Imago

In the middle to the end of February, early spring is finally here and slowly brings the first gardening work outside with it.

These things are pending.

Munich – The beginning of spring is known to be around March 20th, but early spring starts earlier.

It can be as early as mid to late February and with the first spring awakening, motivated garden fans can slowly start to work outside, because nature conservation and plant care are on the agenda.

Gardening in early spring: This work is due until the end of March

The so-called phenological calendar divides the year somewhat differently than normal calendars.

In it, for example, there is also early spring between mid to late February and late March, so to speak the early phase before spring really starts.

However, these seasons depend on the plants, not a specific date, so mid-February is more of a guide.

There are a total of ten such seasons in the phenological calendar.

Pointer plants, for example, help with the classification, as reported by 24garten.de.

You can recognize early spring by:

• blossom of hazel

• Blossoms of Snowdrop, Winterling and some more

• First bumblebees are on their way

• Birds like starlings and larks are slowly returning

There are a few other signs.

Roughly speaking, as soon as you notice that nature is coming back to life, early spring should be here.

Since animals like the starling are now also wintering in Germany, not all signs are meaningful.

For example, with the forsythia blossom, early spring later turns into first spring.

Gardening in early spring: preparation and conservation

There is a lot to do outside to match the blossoming nature.

Preparations are now just as important as small jobs directly in the garden.

Here's what you can do in early spring:

• Preparing the bed: In addition to the normal bed preparation, the “Bayerischer Rundfunk” also suggests pre-sowing with mustard or spinach as green manure.

• The cold frame can also be prepared in advance.

• Depending on the plant, pruning is also required.

  Keep in mind that there is only time until March 1st for larger felling campaigns.

  Some ornamental grasses also need care.

• Sowing can also begin, either as pre-cultivation indoors on the windowsill or partly outdoors.

• Nest boxes for birds should be hung up or cleaned out before the breeding season begins.

  Bumblebees are also happy about nesting opportunities if the garden does not offer any natural places for them.

  At best, put or hang everything up before March.

  You can check old boxes again for stability.

If you want, you can of course prepare a lot more outside, bring it inside and plant a few more.

For example, hydrangeas also need some care.

As the beginning of spring approaches, you should start thinking about overwintered potted plants and prepare them for the new season.