As winter nears its end and the first signs of spring appear, it’s time to prepare your plants for the growing season ahead! Whether you have a garden, a balcony, or an indoor jungle, late winter is the perfect moment to prune, clean, fertilize, and plan for a lush and thriving spring.

Spain’s varied climate means that gardeners in different regions will experience different conditions. In warmer Mediterranean areas, the transition to spring is already beginning, while colder inland and northern regions may still have frosty mornings. But no matter where you are, these essential tasks will get your plants ready for the warmer days ahead!

1️⃣ Garden tasks: wake up your outdoor space

If you have an outdoor garden, late winter is all about clearing, pruning, and getting the soil ready for the explosion of growth that spring brings.

Clear and clean up

✔ Remove fallen leaves and plant debris to prevent mold and pests from settling in.
✔ Tidy up flower beds by pulling out any dead plants or weeds that have grown over winter.
✔ Check garden structures like trellises, raised beds, and fences for damage from winter weather.

Prune and shape

✔ Late winter is the ideal time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs before they start budding.
✔ Cut back dead or damaged branches from roses, fruit trees, and perennials.
✔ Trim overgrown hedges to maintain their shape before spring growth begins.

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure which plants need pruning now, a general rule is to prune before new buds appear!

Prepare your soil

✔ Loosen compacted soil to improve aeration and drainage.
✔ Add compost or organic fertilizer to replenish nutrients lost over winter.
✔ Check your irrigation system to ensure it’s in good shape before the hot months arrive.

Plan and start planting

✔ Start sowing early vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and onions.
✔ Plant summer-flowering bulbs such as dahlias, lilies, and gladiolus.
✔ Divide perennials like agapanthus or daylilies if they’ve become overcrowded.

💡 Tip: In Mediterranean regions, you can already start planting hardy herbs like rosemary, thyme, and lavender outside!

2️⃣ Balcony & terrace plants: refresh & reorganize

If you have a balcony or terrace garden, now is the moment to rejuvenate potted plants, refresh soil, and get ready for new growth.

Check and clean pots

✔ Remove dried leaves, clean pots, and refresh the top layer of soil in containers.
✔ If you notice roots coming out of the drainage holes, consider repotting your plants.
✔ Check for pests – aphids and spider mites often become active in late winter.

Adjust watering & feeding

✔ Start gradually increasing watering as temperatures rise.
✔ Begin light fertilizing to encourage new growth – but use a diluted fertilizer to avoid shocking plants.
✔ Hold off on repotting sensitive plants until temperatures are consistently warm.

Optimize sunlight

✔ Move sun-loving plants into brighter spots as the days grow longer.
✔ Rotate pots to ensure even growth as sunlight shifts.

💡 Tip: Now is a great time to start introducing new plants to your outdoor space—Mediterranean species like succulents, pelargoniums, and citrus trees do well in pots!

3️⃣ Indoor plants: help them transition to spring

Indoor plants also sense the seasonal shift! As spring approaches, they’ll wake up from their slower winter growth phase, so now is the time to adjust care routines.

Increase light exposure

✔ Move plants closer to windows to take advantage of longer days.
✔ Wipe dust off leaves to maximize light absorption.
✔ Consider using grow lights for plants that struggled in winter.

Adjust watering & humidity

✔ Gradually increase watering frequency, but still avoid overwatering.
✔ Reduce misting if humidity levels naturally rise with spring temperatures.

Fertilizing & repotting

✔ Start light fertilizing to prepare for new growth.
✔ Repot root-bound plants before they enter their active growing phase.

💡 Tip: Not sure if your plant needs repotting? If roots are growing out of the bottom of the pot, it’s time to size up! Also check out our guide on how to choose the correct pot for your plant

Final steps: set your plants up for a thriving spring! 🌸✨

With these end-of-winter gardening tasks, your plants will be strong, healthy, and ready for the growing season ahead. Whether you care for an outdoor garden, a balcony full of pots, or an indoor jungle, this is the moment to prune, refresh, and prepare for a lush and vibrant spring.

🌱 Want to become the perfect plant parent this spring?
Spring is the season of new beginnings—why not make it the moment you master plant care? Planteka’s Gardening course for beginners will teach you everything you need to grow and care for plants with confidence. Available in Barcelona, Madrid, and online, it’s the perfect way to start your plant journey or take your skills to the next level.

🩺 Need help with plant problems?
If your plants didn’t survive winter as well as you hoped, don’t give up yet! Our Plant Doctor service is here to diagnose issues and get your garden, balcony, or houseplants back in top shape. Book a consultation and give your plants a fresh start this spring!

👉 What’s your biggest plant challenge as we transition to spring? Let us know in the comments! 💬