What can gardeners do right now for a fruitful growing season
The garden at the Camrose Heritage Railway Station and Museum, pictured last summer, is one of the 13 gardens Glenys has started and taken care of over the years. Her skills are evident in the lush greenery and blooms that come back year after year.
By Adan Shaikh
The ground might still be frozen, but gardeners know the season starts long before the last frost date. In Camrose, the last frost typically falls in the final week of May, which leaves a narrow window to prepare. Getting ahead of that timeline can make the difference between a garden that struggles and one that thrives.
According to Camrose master gardener, Glenys Smith, who cares for 13 heritage gardens, there are a few important tasks every gardener should check off their list in early spring.
Taking care of tools before the season begins sets the tone for everything that follows. Clean, sharp, and rust free clippers, mowers, and weeders are easier to handle and safer for plants. Dull blades tend to tear plant tissue rather than make clean cuts, which can leave plants exposed to disease. Cleaning tools also reduces the risk of spreading bacteria, fungi, or pests from one plant to another. A quick inspection, sharpening, and oiling now can prevent problems and save you time, once the work ramps up in the garden.
Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. Glenys emphasizes that “every garden needs some kind of organic amendment every year.” Adding about an inch of compost can improve soil structure, boost nutrients, and support beneficial organisms in the soil. Strong soil helps plants grow better and also reduces the risk of pests and disease taking hold.
If mulch is part of the plan, it is important to water the soil first so moisture is absorbed before the surface is covered. It is also worth asking where compost comes from and what it contains when making a purchase. Some compost is richer and more balanced than others. Worm castings, for example, are often considered a high quality option because of their nutrient density and ability to improve soil life. Taking time to build soil health early can lead to stronger plants throughout the season. A good rule of thumb is to feed the soil in the fall before winter hits and then top it off in early spring.
Pruning in April, once the snow has melted, can give plants a strong start.
“Once the snow goes, then it’s a good time to do pruning and if people are going to prune they need to know how to prune that exact plant,” said Glenys.
Each plant responds differently, and using the wrong approach can cause long term damage.
“What a lot of people do is they get their clippers out and they cut straight across the top,” she added sharing how the wrong cut on a plant can cause more damage and even stunt growth.
She also cautions against cutting too much, noting, “You can cut about a third of a plant when you are pruning but if you do anymore than that then you will have a lot of suckers coming up.”
Proper pruning removes dead or diseased branches, shapes the plant, and encourages healthy new growth. It also improves airflow, which can reduce the risk of disease later in the season. Taking out weak growth early helps the plant direct its energy where it is needed most.
Planning is just as important as the physical work. Many gardeners in Camrose start their annuals indoors well ahead of planting, but a clear plan for the outdoor garden still matters. Looking back at last year’s garden can help identify what worked and what did not. Some plants may have struggled due to poor placement, limited sunlight, or overcrowding. Adjusting those placements can make a noticeable difference this season.
Planning also includes considering companion planting. Certain plants grow better when placed near others, either by improving growth or helping deter pests. Mapping out the garden before planting ensures each plant has enough space, sunlight, and access to nutrients.
Camrose has experienced several water shortages in the past few years, which means planning ahead for drought and hot conditions should also be a part of the planning process. Rain barrels are one way Glenys saves water to ensure adequate moisture is available for her gardens throughout the season.
With an average growing season of about 100 days in the region, timing matters. Preparing the soil, tools, plants, and plan ahead of time allows gardeners to make the most of those days and enjoy a healthier, more productive garden when summer arrives.
By Adan Shaikh
The ground might still be frozen, but gardeners know the season starts long before the last frost date. In Camrose, the last frost typically falls in the final week of May, which leaves a narrow window to prepare. Getting ahead of that timeline can make the difference between a garden that struggles and one that thrives.
According to Camrose master gardener, Glenys Smith, who cares for 13 heritage gardens, there are a few important tasks every gardener should check off their list in early spring.
Sharpen the tools
Taking care of tools before the season begins sets the tone for everything that follows. Clean, sharp, and rust free clippers, mowers, and weeders are easier to handle and safer for plants. Dull blades tend to tear plant tissue rather than make clean cuts, which can leave plants exposed to disease. Cleaning tools also reduces the risk of spreading bacteria, fungi, or pests from one plant to another. A quick inspection, sharpening, and oiling now can prevent problems and save you time, once the work ramps up in the garden.
Check for soil health
Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. Glenys emphasizes that “every garden needs some kind of organic amendment every year.” Adding about an inch of compost can improve soil structure, boost nutrients, and support beneficial organisms in the soil. Strong soil helps plants grow better and also reduces the risk of pests and disease taking hold.
If mulch is part of the plan, it is important to water the soil first so moisture is absorbed before the surface is covered. It is also worth asking where compost comes from and what it contains when making a purchase. Some compost is richer and more balanced than others. Worm castings, for example, are often considered a high quality option because of their nutrient density and ability to improve soil life. Taking time to build soil health early can lead to stronger plants throughout the season. A good rule of thumb is to feed the soil in the fall before winter hits and then top it off in early spring.
Pruning right
Pruning in April, once the snow has melted, can give plants a strong start.
“Once the snow goes, then it’s a good time to do pruning and if people are going to prune they need to know how to prune that exact plant,” said Glenys.
Each plant responds differently, and using the wrong approach can cause long term damage.
“What a lot of people do is they get their clippers out and they cut straight across the top,” she added sharing how the wrong cut on a plant can cause more damage and even stunt growth.
She also cautions against cutting too much, noting, “You can cut about a third of a plant when you are pruning but if you do anymore than that then you will have a lot of suckers coming up.”
Proper pruning removes dead or diseased branches, shapes the plant, and encourages healthy new growth. It also improves airflow, which can reduce the risk of disease later in the season. Taking out weak growth early helps the plant direct its energy where it is needed most.
Plan the garden
Planning is just as important as the physical work. Many gardeners in Camrose start their annuals indoors well ahead of planting, but a clear plan for the outdoor garden still matters. Looking back at last year’s garden can help identify what worked and what did not. Some plants may have struggled due to poor placement, limited sunlight, or overcrowding. Adjusting those placements can make a noticeable difference this season.
Planning also includes considering companion planting. Certain plants grow better when placed near others, either by improving growth or helping deter pests. Mapping out the garden before planting ensures each plant has enough space, sunlight, and access to nutrients.
Camrose has experienced several water shortages in the past few years, which means planning ahead for drought and hot conditions should also be a part of the planning process. Rain barrels are one way Glenys saves water to ensure adequate moisture is available for her gardens throughout the season.
With an average growing season of about 100 days in the region, timing matters. Preparing the soil, tools, plants, and plan ahead of time allows gardeners to make the most of those days and enjoy a healthier, more productive garden when summer arrives.
