Spring is the season of ambivalence for gardeners. On the one hand, our hearts quicken at the sight of those first cheery blooms … on the other, the sheer number of tasks that need doing can be overwhelming! But take heart – Ecover went digging for tips and unearthed some simple ways to get a grip on your garden. The best part? A bit of extra attention now will pay off with more time to sit and take in the scenery later this summer.

This excellent cheat sheet from Better Homes and Gardens helps prioritize various chores. For instance, early spring is the perfect time to plant trees and shrubs – just don’t plant too deep – and for pruning roses, fruit trees and any summer flowering shrubs such as butterfly bush and summersweet. And once the weather in your area has warmed to 45 degrees, you can plant potatoes in your vegetable garden!

Gardening mavens further recommend tackling weeds as early as possible, when they’re small and the roots are less established. This will make weeding much more manageable during the summer months. Since spring weather can be unpredictable, it’s also a good idea to stake plants prone to wind damage.

Planting, of course, is what many of us long to do in the garden. One blogger recommends hitting local plant sales held by schools and garden clubs. The expertise shared by knowledgeable volunteers, not to mention the TLC they often give their plants, can be invaluable. Plus, you’ll be supporting your community.

Now enjoy all the fruits of your labor!

Photo by timo_w2s via Flickr.com