Early Spring Flower Bed PrepClean, Amend, and Plant for Non-Stop Color

Step 1: Clean House

Cut back last year's perennial stems and foliage to about 2–3 inches once you see new green growth at the base (or go ahead now if nothing's showing yet). Remove all the dead annuals, leaves, and weeds—don't let them sit and invite slugs or disease in our damp climate.

Step 2: Weed Aggressively

Pull weeds while the soil is still cool—get 'em roots and all before they set seed. This is way easier now than in a few weeks when everything's growing like crazy.

Step 3: Amend the Soil

Spread 2–3 inches of compost or aged manure over the top and work it in lightly. Our Puyallup soils love the organic matter—it loosens clay, improves drainage, and feeds the microbes that keep everything healthy.

Step 4: Divide Crowded Perennials

Divide any crowded perennials now (hostas, daylilies, astilbe, etc.) while they're still dormant-ish. Dig 'em up, split with a sharp spade or knife, and replant right away at the same depth. Water well.

Step 5: Mulch Everything

Mulch everything 2–3 inches deep after planting or dividing—keeps weeds down, holds moisture through our spring rains, and looks sharp.

Step 6: Planting Time!

You can put in cool-season annuals (pansies, violas, snapdragons) and hardy perennials now. Wait till after mid-April for tender stuff like petunias or impatiens. If you're starting veggies or warmer flowers, get your soil warmed up with black plastic or row covers.