Every year, I get so caught up in dreaming and scheming for my garden and yours—the seed catalogs, the layout sketches, the color-coded planting plans—that I forget planting is really step six or seven on the spring gardening to-do list. Sound familiar? Trust me, you’re not alone. The truth is, a successful spring garden doesn’t start with planting—it starts with preparation. Those early-season tasks may not be as exciting as digging in the dirt, but they lay the groundwork for a garden that thrives all season long.

So let’s walk through the top eight spring maintenance tasks that every raised bed gardener should tackle. These are the foundational steps that will set your garden up for success, whether you're growing veggies, herbs, or flowers. And yes, I’ve got a printable checklist waiting for you at the end because there’s nothing more satisfying than checking off each task with dirt on your hands and the sun on your face.

1. Assess and Refresh Your Raised Beds

Start by checking the structure of your raised beds. Winter weather can do a number on wood, screws, and soil. Tighten any loose joints, repair any damage, and make sure your beds are level. Once your structure is solid, it’s time to top off the soil. Raised beds settle over time, and spring is the perfect opportunity to add fresh compost or a nutrient-rich soil blend.

A good rule of thumb? Fill your beds to within an inch of the top. This gives roots plenty of room to stretch and keeps your soil well-aerated. If you don’t top off your beds each spring, you’ll be shortchanging your plants from day one.

2. Sharpen and Clean Your Tools

Sharp tools make gardening easier—and safer. Dull pruners, hoes, and trowels force you to work harder and can damage plants. Give your tools a little spring TLC by cleaning off rust, sharpening blades, and giving wooden handles a rub-down with linseed oil.

If you’ve got tools that didn’t quite make it through last season (I’m looking at you, bent tomato cage), now’s the time to replace or upgrade. Organized tools and sharp blades make for efficient gardening—and they save you from mid-season frustration.

3. Rake and Refresh Pathways

If you have mulch or pea gravel paths between your raised beds, give them a little love. Winter winds, rain, and snow can shift material around, creating uneven or muddy paths. Rake them smooth or top it off where needed. This not only keeps your garden looking tidy, but it also helps with drainage and prevents weeds from getting a foothold in your walking paths. A little path refresh goes a long way in making your garden feel like an inviting space again.

4. Clean Out Cold Frames, Row Covers, and Season Extenders

Before you start planting, check your season extenders. Whether you use cold frames, row covers, or low tunnels, give them a good clean and make sure they’re in working order. Remove any debris, wipe down clear panels for maximum sunlight, and inspect for tears or damage.

Having your season extenders prepped and ready means you can plant earlier and protect your crops from those inevitable late frosts or early spring cold snaps.

5. Soak and Pre-Sprout Seeds

If you’re growing crops like peas, spinach, or beets, soaking your seeds before planting can give them a head start. Soaking softens the seed coat and speeds up germination, helping your crops get off to a strong, even start.

Some gardeners even pre-sprout seeds on damp paper towels indoors before planting them outside. Either way, this step helps ensure that every seed you plant has the best chance to grow into something delicious.

6. Direct Seed Cool-Season Crops

Now for the part you’ve been waiting for—planting! Early spring is the time to sow cool-hardy crops directly into the ground. These are your lettuces, carrots, radishes, spinach, peas, and beets. These tough little plants thrive in the cool soil and crisp air of spring.

Don’t be afraid to plant intensively—many of these crops love being cozy with their neighbors.

7. Transplant Cold-Hardy Seedlings

If you started brassicas like kale, broccoli, or cabbage indoors, they’re probably ready to move out into the garden. These cold-hardy seedlings can be transplanted once your soil has thawed and is workable. Just make sure to harden them off first by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions.

This step is essential for strong, resilient plants that won’t go into shock the moment they hit the fresh air.

8. Start a Garden Journal (Or Update Yours)

Before your garden really kicks into gear, now is the perfect time to start—or update—your garden journal. Track what you planted, where, and when. Make notes on your seed varieties, soil amendments, and any early-season observations.

Trust me, your future self will thank you when it’s time to rotate crops, troubleshoot pests, or recreate the layout from your most successful season yet.

Create Your Custom Spring Garden Checklist

Every garden is different, so while this list covers the basics, your space might have its own springtime quirks. That’s why I’ve created a printable checklist with check boxes to help you keep track of what you’ve done and what still needs attention. It’s a helpful, satisfying way to ease into the growing season—and it ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

✅ Assess and top off raised beds

✅ Sharpen and clean garden tools

✅ Rake mulch or refresh garden paths

✅ Clean and inspect season extenders

✅ Soak and pre-sprout seeds

✅ Direct seed cool-weather crops

✅ Transplant cold-hardy seedlings

✅ Update or begin your garden journal

Want a copy of this checklist? Click here to download your free printable! Or better yet, create your own version that includes any special tasks unique to your space. Going through the process of listing it all out is a great exercise in garden mindfulness, helping you connect more deeply with your space and your goals for the season.

And remember, if you feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start, I’m here to help.

Happy gardening—let’s make this your best spring yet! 🌱