Spring Gardening 101: Preparing Your Beds, Picking the Right Plants

Spring is here—and so is planting season! Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up your garden game, a successful season begins with the right foundation. At Sow and Reap Gardens, we believe that gardening should be accessible, purposeful, and joyful. This guide will help you get your beds ready, pick the right plants for your region, and sow with confidence.

Step 1: Prepare Your Garden Beds

Start with a clean slate.

Clear out weeds, fallen leaves, and any leftover debris from last season. This helps prevent pests and diseases from carrying over into your fresh plantings.

Check your soil.

Healthy soil = healthy plants. Test your soil’s pH (ideal range for most veggies is 6.0–7.0) and add amendments like compost, aged manure, or worm castings to boost nutrients. Loosen compacted soil to improve drainage and root growth.

Define your space.

Use raised beds, in-ground rows, or containers based on your available space and lifestyle. Good garden design makes planting and maintenance easier all season long.

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Step 2: Pick the Right Plants for Your Area

Know your area’s first and last frost dates.

In Northwest Ohio, the average last frost date is mid to late April, and the first frost typically hits in mid-October. This growing window determines what you can plant—and when. Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers should only be planted after the last frost has passed to avoid cold damage.

Direct sow vs. transplant.

• Direct sow seeds like carrots, lettuce, radishes, beans, and corn directly into the garden.

• Transplant seedlings of tomatoes, peppers, and herbs that need a head start.

Choose what you’ll actually eat!

Make a list of your household favorites and start there. Popular beginner-friendly crops include:

• Leafy greens: spinach, kale, lettuce

• Root veggies: carrots, beets, radishes

• Fruits: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers

• Herbs: basil, parsley, thyme

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Step 3: Set Yourself Up for Success

Start small.

Don’t plant more than you can manage. A well-cared-for small garden will always outproduce a large, neglected one.

Use companion planting.

Some plants help each other grow. For example, basil boosts tomatoes, and marigolds can help deter pests.

Water wisely.

Water in the morning and focus on the base of your plants—not the leaves. This keeps diseases at bay and ensures deep root growth.

Keep learning.

Each season is a chance to grow—literally and figuratively. Join a local workshop, follow gardening blogs, or hire a garden coach (we know a great one!).

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Let’s Grow Together

At Sow and Reap Gardens, we help you sow with purpose and reap with joy. Whether you’re digging into dirt for the first time or expanding your backyard bounty, our coaching, installation, and private party experiences make gardening simple, soulful, and fun.

Need help picking plants or prepping your beds? We’ve got your back.

Let’s make this your most fruitful season yet.

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Ready to get your hands in the soil?

Explore our services or book a consultation today at sowandreapgardens.com