The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place to live, but it can also be a challenging place to garden. The wet winters and cool summers can make it difficult to keep your yard looking its best. But with a little planning and effort, you can have a beautiful and thriving garden in the Pacific Northwest.

Here are some early spring yardwork tasks that you can do to get your garden ready for the season:

• Weeding: Weeds can quickly take over your garden, so it's important to get rid of them as soon as possible. You can weed by hand or with a hoe. Be sure to remove the entire weed, including the roots. Some weeds, like horsetail, are invasive and do not respond to typical weed removal methods. Know what you're pulling and do your research if you are having difficulties removing weeds. 


• Mulching: Mulch helps to keep the soil moist and cool, and it also helps to suppress weeds. You can use bark, wood chips, or straw as mulch. Cedar mulch is a common favorite, but here's an article with the pros and cons of using cedar mulch: https://www.gardeningchores.com/cedar-mulch/


• Fertilizing: Fertilizing helps to give your plants the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. You can use a balanced fertilizer or a fertilizer that is specifically designed for your type of plants.


• Pruning: Pruning helps to remove dead or diseased branches, and it also helps to shape your plants. You can prune your plants yourself or hire a professional. Here's a link for a guide to pruning your bushes and plants if you prefer to do it yourself: https://www.almanac.com/content/pruning-guide-trees-shrubs


• Planting: If you're looking to add new plants to your garden, early spring is the perfect time to plant. Be sure to choose plants that are suited to the Pacific Northwest climate. Some of my favorites are lilacs, lilies, and dahlias. Be careful though! Some plants can be toxic to pets. Here's a list of plants to avoid for your fur-babies: https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/17-plants-poisonous-pets


• Mowing: If you have a lawn, you'll need to start mowing it again in the spring. Be sure to mow your lawn regularly to keep it healthy and looking its best.

By completing these early spring yardwork tasks, you can help to ensure that your garden has a successful growing season.

Here are some additional tips for early spring yardwork in the Pacific Northwest:

• Start early: The earlier you start yardwork in the spring, the better. This will give your plants a head start on the growing season.


• Be patient: It takes time for plants to grow and develop. Don't get discouraged if your garden doesn't look perfect right away.


• Enjoy the process: Gardening is a great way to get exercise and fresh air. Soak up the sunshine and enjoy the beauty of your garden as it grows.