Your Connecticut Garden Checklist for April & May 2025

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to give your garden the boost it needs! Whether you’re dreaming of a vibrant flower bed, a lush green lawn, or a bountiful veggie patch, a little prep now will set you up for success all season long. In this post, we’re breaking down everything you need to tackle in April and May—tailored specifically for Connecticut gardeners.

Start with a clean slate: Before adding anything new, give your garden beds some TLC. Clean up winter debris, do any necessary pruning or dividing, and apply weed control if needed. Once that’s done, finish with a fresh layer of mulch to help lock in moisture, suppress weeds, and give everything a tidy, finished look. We have a wide variety available for either pickup or delivery.

Next up? Feeding your plants with the right fertilizer. Whether you’re encouraging rich green turf, full flower blooms, or juicy vegetables, there’s a blend to match. And don’t forget about staking young trees—especially evergreens. Let us know if you’d like product-specific suggestions to make sure you’re getting the right tools for your garden goals.

These little things make a big difference as the season unfolds.

Let’s dive into your spring checklist:

Prep & Maintenance

• Clean and sharpen garden tools: Dull tools make gardening harder and can damage plants. A quick clean and a sharpening session will make your work more efficient and enjoyable.
• Rake out garden beds and remove winter debris: Clear away leaves, branches, and dead plant material to make room for new growth.
• Check irrigation systems and hoses for leaks: Leaky hoses waste water and may not deliver enough to your plants. Ensure everything is in good working order.
• Apply mulch to beds (2–3 inches): Do this last! Once your garden is cleaned up, pruned, and prepped, finish with mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

Planting & Transplanting

• Start hardening off indoor seedlings: Gradually expose seedlings (like tomatoes and peppers) to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days before transplanting.
• Direct sow cool-season crops: Connecticut’s cooler spring is ideal for planting lettuce, spinach, radish, and carrots directly in the garden.
• Plant perennials, trees, and shrubs: Once the soil is workable, get your perennials in the ground.
• Transplant hardy annuals and cold-tolerant veggies: Crops like broccoli and cabbage can handle a bit of chill, so go ahead and get them in early.

Flowers & Ornamentals

• Divide and replant perennials: Hosta, daylilies, and bee balm benefit from division every few years. It’s a great way to multiply your plantings.
• Deadhead spring bulbs: Once flowers fade, snip them off, but leave the foliage until it turns yellow. The leaves feed the bulb for next year’s bloom.
• Start containers and hanging baskets: Wait until after the frost risk passes, then go ahead and start planting up your favorite combos.
• Plant pansies, violas, and snapdragons: These cool-season annuals add cheerful color early in the season.

Pollinator & Wildlife Care

• Add native plants: Connecticut natives provide vital early-season resources for bees and butterflies. Look for species like milkweed, wild columbine, or blue flag iris.
• Avoid pesticides and herbicides: These can harm pollinators. Opt for organic methods or spot treatments where needed.
• Set up birdbaths and bee water stations: Fresh water is essential, and shallow dishes with pebbles can help our pollinator friends stay hydrated.

Lawn & Landscape

• Rake and dethatch lawn if needed: Dethatching helps remove dead grass and improves airflow.
• Reseed bare spots: Spring is a great time to address patchy areas before summer heat sets in.
• Apply pre-emergent weed control: Early April is your window—before weed seeds germinate.
• Edge garden beds: A neat edge instantly elevates your landscape’s look and makes maintenance easier later.

April & May Garden Reminders

• Watch for the last frost date: In New England, frost can linger until mid-May. Use caution when planting heat-loving crops outdoors.
• Mother’s Day/Post-May Full Moon planting rule: After the first full moon is often used as a benchmark for planting tender annuals like tomatoes, cucumbers, and impatiens.
• Hardening off is essential: If you started seedlings indoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by setting them outside during the day and bringing them in at night.

Bonus Spring Tips

• Fertilize appropriately: Lawns, flower beds, and vegetable gardens all benefit from targeted feeding. Choose blends designed for each use—your garden center can help.
• Stake young trees: Wind and spring rains can topple or tilt young trees. Use tree stakes to provide support during their early growth.
• Tidy pathways and borders: Remove weeds and debris along garden paths, and refresh gravel or mulch in walking areas.

Connecticut gardens wake up slowly, but once the frost passes, things bloom fast and furiously. Use April to prepare and May to plant, and you’ll enjoy a vibrant, healthy garden through summer and into fall. At Burnett’s, we’re here to help—from soil and mulch to plants, stakes, and expert advice.

Need a visual guide to go with this checklist? 📌 Check out our handy dandy list here and get started on your garden transformation today!

Happy gardening!