Spring in Scarborough, Maine, is not just a season—it’s an event. After months of snow and ice, the thaw brings the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into your home and garden. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just someone who loves a tidy yard, prepping your outdoor space this spring can be both productive and fun. Let’s dig into some practical tips to get your home and garden ready for the season.

The Great Spring Inspection: What Winter Left Behind

Before you grab your rake or shovel, take a stroll around your yard with a critical eye. Look for:

• Winter damage on plants, fences, or hardscaping like patios and walkways.
• Evidence of new animal burrows (hello, mischievous rabbits!).
• Fallen branches or debris that need clearing.

This quick inspection will help you prioritize tasks and avoid surprises later. Think of it as your spring cleaning checklist—but for the outdoors.

Hardscaping First: Fix It Before It Grows Over

Spring is the best time to repair fences, clean gutters, or touch up paint on wooden structures like trellises or sheds. Why? Because plants haven’t fully woken up yet, giving you easy access to these areas. If you’ve been dreaming of adding raised garden beds or expanding your patio, now’s the time to make it happen. Bonus tip: A fresh coat of stain on wooden furniture or decks can make last year’s setup look brand new.

Soil TLC: The Foundation of Every Great Garden

Healthy soil equals happy plants. Test your soil’s pH levels to determine what nutrients it needs. Local garden centers like Highland Avenue Greenhouse or Broadway Gardens in South Portland can guide you on soil amendments. Once tested, topdress with compost or organic matter to enrich it. Think of this step as feeding your garden its first breakfast after a long hibernation.

Spring Cleaning Isn’t Just for Indoors

Clear out last year’s plant debris from garden beds and lawns. Dead leaves, fallen branches, and overgrown grasses can harbor pests and diseases that might wreak havoc later. If you have a pond or birdbath, give them a thorough cleaning with a water-bleach solution (1 part bleach to 5 parts water). Your feathered friends—and your plants—will thank you.

Prune Like a Pro (But Don’t Overdo It)

Grab those pruners! Trim away dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs to encourage healthy growth. But here’s the catch: Not all plants appreciate a haircut in spring. For example:

• Prune summer bloomers like roses and butterfly bushes now.
• Skip early bloomers like lilacs; pruning them now could mean no flowers this year.

When in doubt, consult a pruning guide—or chat with the friendly folks at Estabrook’s in Yarmouth for expert advice.

Divide and Conquer: Perennials Need Space Too

If your perennials are looking cramped, divide them now before they fully wake up. This not only gives them room to grow but also lets you spread their beauty across other parts of your yard—or share with neighbors (instant popularity boost!).

Mulch: The Unsung Hero of Gardening

A fresh layer of mulch does wonders for your garden beds. It retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and gives everything a polished look. Organic options like bark or straw are environmentally friendly choices that break down over time to enrich the soil.

Plan Your Planting Party

Scarborough’s cool spring weather is perfect for early bloomers like pansies and sweet alyssum. These hardy annuals can handle chilly nights while adding pops of color to borders and containers. For vegetables, consider planting cold-tolerant crops like lettuce or spinach now while waiting for warmer days to plant tomatoes or peppers.

Pro tip: Check out Highland Farm for native plants that thrive in Maine’s climate—they’re easier to maintain and support local pollinators.

Lawn Love: A Little Effort Goes a Long Way

Your lawn deserves some attention too! Start by dethatching (removing dead grass) and aerating the soil so it can breathe again. Overseed bare spots and apply a slow-release fertilizer to kickstart growth. Regular mowing at the right height will keep it looking lush all season long.

Pest Patrol: Stop Them Before They Start

Spring is prime time for pests like aphids or weeds to make their debut. Use natural deterrents such as neem oil or companion planting (e.g., marigolds near vegetables) to keep them at bay. Weed barriers can also save you hours of pulling unwanted plants later.

Hardscape Refresh: Beyond Plants

Your outdoor space isn’t just about greenery—hardscaping plays a big role too! Refresh patios with decorative pavers or add string lights for ambiance. Thinking bigger? Install a water feature or fire pit for those cool Maine evenings.

Shop Local: Scarborough’s Gardening Gems

For all your gardening needs, Scarborough has you covered:

• Highland Avenue Greenhouse: Known for its extensive plant selection and knowledgeable staff.
• Broadway Gardens: A go-to spot for everything from pansies to potting soil.
• Estabrook’s: Offers delivery services if hauling mulch isn’t your thing.

Supporting local businesses not only ensures high-quality products but also strengthens our community.

Spring is here—time to roll up those sleeves! With these tips in hand, your Scarborough home and garden will be ready to shine all season long.

Sources: provenwinners.com, parkerbs.com
Header Image Source: Markus Spiske on Unsplash