Texas Gardeners, It’s Time to Get Ready for Spring Gardening!

The epic snowstorm that swept through Houston was a rare and intense event, leaving behind snowy  landscapes, damaged plants, frozen garden beds & loads of kids (& adults like me) who had so much fun playing in the snow. While it may have felt discouraging to see some of our plants struggle in the cold, now is the perfect time to shift our focus forward. Spring is just around the corner, and with a little planning, your garden can bounce back even stronger!

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, here’s how you can take action now to ensure a thriving spring garden.

1. Assess the Damage & Clean Up Wisely

The first step after a hard freeze is to assess your garden’s condition. Some plants may look completely wilted or brown, but don't be too quick to rip them out! Many perennials, fruit trees, and hardy shrubs can recover with time.

• Remove Dead Annuals: It’s time to remove all the dead annual plants from the fall season. I am talking about fall tomatoes, heat loving herbs, annual flowers etc.
• Inspect your Winter Garden: Check your cool loving veggies like Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale & lettuces for damage. If you have covered them, open the cover & remove any dead leaves. If you have left them uncovered, some plants like Kale & Brussel sprouts are very tolerant of cold weather. Remove any dead leaves & be patient. 
• Check for Life: Scratch the stems of your plants with a fingernail—if there’s green underneath, there’s hope!
• Prune with Caution: Trim away soft, mushy, or obviously dead plant parts, but avoid aggressive pruning just yet. Most woody plants will recover better if given a little time.
• Clear Debris: Remove any fallen leaves, broken branches, or other debris to prevent fungal diseases and pests.

2. Prep Your Soil for an Abundant Spring

Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden, and this is the best time to build it up! The freeze likely compacted the soil, and some beneficial microbes might have slowed down, but you can bring your soil back to life.

• Add Compost: A layer of rich compost will feed the soil and help restore beneficial microbes.
• Apply Organic Mulch: Mulching with leaves, straw, or wood chips will protect the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds.
• Consider a Soil Test: If your garden struggled last year, now is a great time to test your soil and amend it accordingly.

3. Plan Your Spring Garden & Start Seeds Indoors

Even though the ground outside is still chilly, this is the ideal time to plan what you’ll grow in your spring garden!

• Choose Your Crops: In Houston, early spring is perfect for planting tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, herbs, and leafy greens.
• Start Seeds Indoors: Get a head start on warm-weather crops by starting tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants inside now. They’ll be ready for transplanting in early March (after the last frost).
• Plan Your Garden : This is the best time to plan your best garden for 2025. Stay tuned to hear about the new workshop.

4. Revive Your Garden with New Energy

Spring is a fresh start! If the winter storm left you discouraged, take this as an opportunity to reimagine your garden.

• Experiment with New Plants: Try adding native flowers, pollinator-friendly plants, or even an herb garden.
• Expand Your Growing Space: Consider raised beds, container gardening, or vertical gardens to maximize space.
• Set Gardening Goals: Whether it’s growing more food, creating a peaceful retreat, or teaching your kids about gardening, set an intention for your garden this season.

5. Join a Gardening Community for Support

Gardening is even more rewarding when you have support and inspiration from others!

• Follow Vibrant Rainbow Gardens on Social Media : I’ll be sharing tips, reminders, and encouragement to help you get the most out of your spring garden.(Find the links under this page)
• Sign Up for My Upcoming Gardening Workshops: If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to growing a successful garden, my next workshop will cover everything you need to know!

Let’s Grow Together This Spring!

Winter’s chill is hopefully behind us, and a season of new growth is ahead. With a little planning and preparation now, you’ll set yourself up for a bountiful, vibrant garden this spring & summer.

What are you most excited to grow this season? Let me know and let’s get ready for an amazing gardening year together!

🌱💚 Happy Gardening!
VibrantRainbowGardens