While Calgary’s snow-covered landscapes might make it tempting to put gardening on hold, there are several important tasks you can tackle now to set your garden up for success when spring arrives.

Tidy Up Your Garden Tools
Winter is the perfect time to give your gardening tools some attention before the busy spring season begins. Clean and sharpen your pruners, hoes, rakes, and shovels so they’re ready when spring arrives. If any tools are worn out, now’s the time to replace them. A well-maintained toolset will make your spring gardening easier and more efficient.

Dream Up Your Garden Layout
Use the winter months to reflect on how your garden performed last season. Were your flower beds as you imagined? Are there areas that could use a makeover? If you’ve been thinking about adding new plants or rearranging, take some time to sketch out your ideas. That way, when spring arrives, you’ll already have a clear vision of what to do.

Care for Your Feathered Friends
Your garden isn’t just for plants—it’s a haven for wildlife too! Winter is a great time to clean and refill your bird feeders, offering support to local birds. You can even add a birdhouse or two to encourage them to stick around as the seasons change. It’s a small but impactful gesture to keep your garden lively and full of activity.

Plan for Early Spring Planting
Spring may feel far off, but now’s the time to plan for those early blooms. Consider hardy plants like crocuses, snowdrops, and tulips that can handle Calgary’s chilly early spring weather. If you’re interested in starting your own plants, get your indoor seed-starting supplies ready. Starting seeds indoors by mid-February will give you a head start when the ground thaws.

Check on Your Evergreens and Shrubs
Even though most plants are dormant during winter, it’s still a good idea to check on your evergreens and shrubs. Look for any broken branches or damage from snow or ice and prune them as needed. Also, keep an eye out for signs of rodent activity around the base of your shrubs and trees. Taking care of these details now will save you trouble later.

Keep Snow Off Your Evergreens
Snow is great for insulating your plants, but too much can weigh down branches and cause damage. Gently knock off any heavy snow from your evergreens to keep them in good shape. This simple step helps ensure your evergreens stay healthy and ready to shine in the spring.

Reflect on Your Past Gardening Year
Winter is a great time to look back at your garden from the previous year. What worked well? What didn’t? Did your beds suffer from the heat and water restrictions last year? Were there any trouble spots or pest problems you want to address this year? Taking notes and keeping a gardening journal will help you make adjustments and achieve better results next season.

Order Your Plants and Supplies Early
Spring is just around the corner, so why not get ahead of the game? Order your plants, seeds, and gardening supplies now while they’re still available. Many local nurseries and garden centers start taking orders in winter. By planning ahead, you’ll make sure you get the varieties you want and be ready to start planting as soon as the weather warms up.

By tackling these winter gardening tasks now, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and successful spring. Whether it’s getting your tools ready, planning your layout, or caring for wildlife, every little step you take now will pay off when the growing season begins. Happy gardening!