Preparing for Spring Planting: Start with the End in Mind

Spring planting is right around the corner, but before you start throwing seeds in the dirt, take a step back. What do you want to harvest this year? More than just vegetables or flowers—what’s your goal? A steady supply of fresh herbs? A garden that practically takes care of itself? A teaching tool for your kids? Or maybe you’re just after the peace that comes from working the land. Whatever it is, start with the end in mind.

Soil First, Always

A garden is only as good as its soil. If your dirt isn’t thriving, your plants won’t be either. This is where biodiversity comes in—healthy soil isn’t just dirt, it’s a living system full of microbes, fungi, and organic matter working together. If you’ve been growing in the same spot for years, consider adding compost, rotating crops, or planting cover crops in the off-season. If you’re just starting out, test your soil and amend as needed. Good soil = strong plants = better harvests.

Companion Planting: Ancestors Knew Best

Modern science is finally catching up to what our ancestors already knew: companion planting works. Basil really does help tomatoes thrive. Marigolds really do deter pests. Beans really do enrich the soil for corn and squash. These aren’t gardening hacks, they’re ancient wisdom, proven over generations. In my own garden, companion planting is the backbone of every layout. Every plant has a job, whether it’s attracting pollinators, repelling pests, or improving soil. And I always save last year’s plans. They serve as a record of what worked, what didn’t, and what I want to tweak this season.

Cycles: If It Fails, There’s Always Another Round

Nature works in cycles, and so should your garden. If one planting doesn’t go as planned, you’re not out of options. There’s always another round, whether it’s a second planting later in the season or a fresh start next year. Gardening teaches patience and resilience; some years, certain crops just won’t cooperate. That’s not failure, it’s part of the process. Observe, adjust, and try again.

Don’t Rush the Season

Spring is exciting, but don’t let the first warm day fool you. Honoring the season you’re in is just as important as preparing for the next. Start your seedlings indoors if you want, prep your beds, plan your layout, but don’t rush planting if the soil isn’t ready. A little diligence now saves a lot of frustration later.

So, as you get ready for spring planting, take your time, plan wisely, and think long-term. The work you put in now will determine what you get to harvest later—so make it count.

What are you hoping to grow this year? 🌱