This Week in the Garden: Sowing, Pruning, and Planting for a Thriving Season

Spring is in full swing, and this week in the garden is all about setting up for a season of abundant blooms and fresh harvests. With warmer days ahead, it’s the perfect time to sow late-season spring cut flowers, tend to the rose beds, and plant out the last succession of sweet peas. Here’s what I’m working on this week to keep the garden thriving.

Sowing Late-Season Spring Cut Flowers & Vegetables

Timing is everything in the garden, and right now, I’m focusing on sowing the last wave of spring cut flowers and cool-season vegetables. Snapdragons are a must for any cut flower garden, and sowing them now ensures late-season blooms that will extend well into summer. I’m also direct-sowing lettuce and kale, two hardy greens that thrive in the cool mornings of late spring and can be harvested continuously for fresh salads.

Sowing Tips:

• Snapdragons: Start indoors in seed trays or sow directly in a well-prepared bed with good drainage. Keep the soil consistently moist for steady germination.

• Lettuce & Kale: Direct-sow in rows, making sure to space them properly for airflow. Keep the soil moist and shaded during hot afternoons to prevent bolting.

  
  

Pruning and Mulching the Rose Beds

With roses beginning to leaf out and set buds, now is the time for some much-needed pruning and mulching. Pruning helps shape the plants, encourages airflow, and removes any dead or weak stems that could invite disease. After pruning, I’m applying a fresh layer of mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients back into the soil.

Pruning & Mulching Tips:

• Remove any dead or damaged branches to encourage new growth.

• Trim back any crossing stems to improve airflow.

• Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of each rose bush, keeping it away from the stems to prevent rot.

  
  

Planting Out the Last Succession of Sweet Peas

Sweet peas are one of my favorite spring flowers, and to keep them blooming as long as possible, I’m planting my final succession this week. By staggering plantings, I ensure that I’ll have a steady supply of fragrant, long-stemmed blooms for weeks to come.

Sweet Pea Planting Tips:

• Plant in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.

• Provide a trellis or support for the vines to climb.

• Water consistently, especially during warm spells, to encourage strong growth and prevent drying out.

Final Thoughts

This week’s garden tasks are all about ensuring healthy growth, maximizing blooms, and setting the stage for a season of beauty and bounty. Whether it’s sowing seeds for future harvests, tending to the roses, or getting the last of the sweet peas in the ground, each task brings me one step closer to a flourishing garden.

What’s on your gardening to-do list this week?