Gardening
with Gail

by Gail McIlroy

At last—we made it!

January and February, for many of us and for a variety of reasons, seemed as though they might never leave. Snowstorm after snowstorm, followed by a few milder days, and then back to snow again.

While we may sigh—and perhaps complain a little—it’s worth remembering that a great deal of growing was quietly taking place underground. Now we prepare to enjoy the buffet of colour that faithfully returns each spring.

Tulips, crocuses, hyacinths, and daffodils are beginning to appear. Buds are forming on fruit trees—apples and crabapples—as well as lilacs and many other shrubs. Spring always finds its way back to us.

Starting Seeds

Our region has a relatively short growing season. It may feel a bit late to start seeds, but if you encourage germination indoors you can still enjoy the rewards of your efforts.

Starting plants from seed saves a great deal of money and is very gratifying. A little effort now pays off when those first seedlings come to life. There really isn’t a cheaper way to fill a garden with annuals in just eight weeks.

In our area, outdoor planting works best after the May 24 long weekend, when the risk of frost has largely passed. Until then, it’s lovely to watch seedlings grow in the sunniest places in our homes.

Many plants prefer a southeastern window, though in my experience a northwestern exposure works just as well for delicate seedlings and larger slips. For a few weeks the house may look a little chaotic with trays and pots everywhere, but it’s a wonderful sight and well worth it.

Cleaning Gardening Tools

Although most of us cleaned our tools in the fall, it’s a good idea to do so again before the gardening season begins.

If there are pathogens present, they can easily spread disease in the soil. Cleaning and disinfecting tools helps prevent infestations and also prolongs the life of the tools themselves.

Wash tools in warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly before returning them to the garage or shed. As a final step, apply a light coat of oil—linseed oil or mineral oil works well—to prevent rust. Both act as natural, environmentally friendly barriers against moisture on metal. Linseed oil also helps protect wooden handles from drying out. It’s important to read the instructions because linseed oil is highly flammable!

If I’m only doing a full cleaning once a year, I sometimes use disinfecting wipes between tasks—for example, wiping pruners when moving from one rose bush to another to prevent contamination.

Sorting Seeds

Early spring is a good time to sort through seed packets in preparation for planting.

This can be a little painful, but expired seeds are best discarded. Germination rates decline as seeds age, although this depends somewhat on how they have been stored. Ideally, they should be kept in a dry, dark place.

Seeds older than five years are usually best discarded. Annuals such as cucumbers and zucchini may last a little longer, but it’s still wise to be realistic about what will grow successfully.

A good strategy is to buy seeds with a plan to use them within a season or two—and perhaps curb our enthusiasm for buying too many before spring arrives! 

Preparing Pots and Planters

This is a great time of year to clean out pots, planters, and window boxes. Any annuals that were not removed in the fall should come out now—they no longer serve any purpose.

Loosen the soil and give it a good shake before planting season arrives. Fresh, loose soil helps the tiny roots of new plants establish themselves more easily.

If soil has been in containers for more than three years, it’s best to replace it. The old soil can still be added to vegetable beds or garden borders where it will contribute organic matter.

Usually replacing the top half of the soil in a container is sufficient. Even potting mixes become depleted over time.

Gloves and Garden Gear

Spring is also a good time to replace worn gardening gloves.

Thin gloves tend to rip easily, and gloves are a relatively inexpensive investment. Gloves with leather reinforcement hold up well, and neoprene gloves are excellent for many gardening tasks.

It’s wise to keep several pairs on hand—one never seems to be enough, and the cheaper ones rip easily. 

A Little Spring Decluttering

Early spring is also the perfect time to reassess what is stored in the garage or garden shed.

Anything that is old, rusty, or broken should be discarded—especially if it isn’t suitable for donation. I finally threw away an old shovel with a broken handle that I had set aside to repair. Realistically, I was never going to fix it.

Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to pass along tools or supplies you no longer need. It’s another excellent way to recycle.

A cleaner, more organized storage space makes gardening much more enjoyable. 

Checking Garden Hoses

Before the season begins, check your garden hoses for leaks.

Many hoses are thrown away simply because of a small hole or damaged end, yet they are easy and inexpensive to repair. Small repair kits for hose ends cost only a few dollars.

If there is a leak at the spigot connection, check the rubber washer first. If that is not the issue, you can cut the hose cleanly and install a replacement fitting.

The female end connects to the spigot, while the male end allows the nozzle to attach. For holes in the middle of the hose, simply cut out the damaged section and install a connector mender.

With a little effort, most hoses can be repaired and kept in service for many more seasons.

Early April Blooms

April brings some of the earliest and most delicate flowers of the year.

Many are known as ephemerals, including Bloodroot, Hepatica, March Marigolds, and Trillium. Flowering Spicebush and fragrant Sumac also begin to appear.

Cherry blossoms, magnolia trees, and early daffodils soon follow, bringing colour to woodlands, wetlands, and gardens throughout our region.

Bloodroot is one of the earliest wildflowers, producing delicate white blooms and a distinctive orange sap.

Other early favourites include yellow trout lilies, Dutchman’s breeches, squirrel corn, and bluebells. These uncultivated wildflowers bring a welcome splash of colour after March’s rather stubborn dullness.

Toward the end of April, we can expect tulips, daffodils, and pansies to brighten our gardens.

April’s Birth Flowers

April has two birth flowers: the Daisy and the Sweet Pea.

Another favourite of mine is Aquilegia, also known as Columbine or Granny’s Bonnet. These charming native wildflowers are among the earliest to bloom and are said to symbolize faith, hope, and love.

If you happen to see these wildflowers growing in natural areas, please admire them but do not pick them. Ontario’s wildflowers are an important part of our ecological heritage, and picking flowers in provincial parks is against the law. 

A Final Thought

Spring gardening always reminds me that patience is one of the gardener’s greatest virtues. Much of what happens in the garden begins quietly beneath the soil, unseen at first, but preparing to emerge at just the right moment.

With a little preparation now, the weeks ahead will reward us with colour, growth, and the simple joy of tending something living.

Happy gardening—and enjoy every sign that spring has finally arrived!