A few days ago, I spent a couple of hours in my greenhouse getting ready for planting season.
It was one of those windy, 45-degree days that makes you want to stay inside. But when I stepped into the greenhouse, it was a toasty 80 degrees. Warm. Bright. Peaceful. I could have easily pulled up a chair and read a good book.
But I had things to do.
There’s something about preparing your space before the season begins that feels almost as good as planting that first seed. It sets the tone. It tells your brain, we’re getting ready to grow.
And if you’re anything like me, that feels wonderful.
Start With a Simple Inventory Check
Before you buy one more seed packet or garden gadget, take a little time to see what you already have.
Here’s what I did.
Frost Protection
I checked to be sure I had:
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Frost cloth for an unexpected late freeze (especially important for cool season vegetables)
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Insect netting for my broccoli to protect it from cabbage worms
There’s nothing worse than thinking you’re prepared and then scrambling when the forecast changes.
Seed Check
Next, I looked through my leftover seeds from last year before heading out to buy more. It’s amazing how many half-used packets we forget about.
If you’re wondering whether you can still use leftover seeds, read this post on checking to see if seeds are still good.
Some seeds are perfectly fine for several years. Others… not so much. A quick test can save you money.
A Quick Dollar Store Run
I did find a couple of things I needed and added them to my list for the Dollar Tree.
Here’s what made the list:
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Plastic plant labels (you will forget what you planted where. I know!)
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A new Sharpie (mine had dried out in the greenhouse)
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A container of sanitizing wipes for my clippers (you don’t want to spread disease from plant to plant)
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Round plant clips to attach branching vines to netting on my arch or tomato cages
These are simple supplies that can be purchased very inexpensively at your local dollar store or Walmart. No need to pay expensive prices at specialty garden centers for basic items.
Gardening does not have to be fancy to be effective.
Check Your Everyday Essentials
After that, I kept going.
I checked to see if I had:
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Twine for tying up tomatoes and securing netting.
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A watering can with a gentle rose attachment
- Garden gloves in good shape (mine always seem to disappear)
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Extra stakes or tomato cages
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Pruners and scissors sharpened and ready
- Checked my water hose (yuck, I forgot I need to buy a new one!)
I also made sure my potting bench was cleared off and wiped down. There’s something about starting with a clean surface that makes everything feel manageable.
Sanitize Before the Season Begins
One thing many gardeners forget is cleaning tools before the season gets busy.
Wipe down:
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Pruners
- Scissors
- Trowels
A quick cleaning with sanitizing wipes or a diluted bleach solution can prevent spreading fungal or bacterial diseases from last year into your fresh spring crops.
It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
When you organize your greenhouse, shed, or potting bench before planting season starts, you:
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Avoid duplicate purchases
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Save money
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Reduce stress
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Prevent disease
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Make planting day smooth and enjoyable
Instead of running back and forth looking for supplies, everything is right where you need it.
Make It a Fun Spring Ritual
Even if you don’t have a greenhouse (though I will say that 80-degree warmth while it’s 45 outside is pretty wonderful), you can do this at your potting bench, in your garage, or in your garden shed.
Set aside a couple of hours.
Put on some music.
Open seed packets.
Make a simple list.
Prepare your space.
It may not feel as exciting as planting your first tomatoes or sowing carrots, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take before the season begins.
Because when your space is ready… you’re ready.
Happy Gardening
Karen
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