Spring in Miami is not like spring anywhere else. While gardeners in the north are just starting to think about thawing soil, we are already in full growth mode. February through April is the prime window to prepare your landscape for the year ahead. Here is your complete spring garden prep checklist.
Week 1-2: Assessment and Cleanup
Landscape Assessment
- Walk your entire property and note areas that need attention
- Identify dead or damaged plants from winter (even mild Miami winters can stress some plants)
- Check irrigation systems — run each zone and look for broken heads, leaks, and coverage gaps
- Inspect mulch levels in all beds — note areas where mulch has thinned or washed away
- Look for new weed growth and identify problem areas before they spread
Cleanup Tasks
- Remove dead plants and prune winter-damaged branches
- Pull existing weeds by hand while they are small and easy to remove
- Clear debris from beds, walkways, and drains
- Edge all landscape beds to create clean lines
- Clean and sharpen garden tools
Week 2-3: Soil Preparation
Soil Testing
If you have not tested your soil recently, spring is an excellent time. The Miami-Dade County Extension office offers soil testing services. Understanding your soil pH and nutrient levels helps you amend effectively rather than guessing.
Soil Amendment
- Add premium compost to vegetable beds (1-2 inches worked into top 4-6 inches)
- Add compost to flower beds and around established plants (top-dress with half inch)
- Apply topsoil blend to any low areas or spots where soil has eroded
- For new planting areas, work in 3-4 inches of compost throughout the bed
Week 3-4: Mulching
Fresh mulch is the single most impactful spring landscaping task. It instantly transforms the appearance of your property while providing critical protection for the growing season ahead.
Mulching Checklist
- Calculate mulch needs for all beds (see our mulch calculator guide)
- Choose your mulch type — colored for visible areas, natural for backyard and gardens
- Order with 10% extra to account for settling and waste
- Apply 2-3 inches in all beds, keeping mulch away from plant stems and tree trunks
- For large projects, request a bulk delivery quote
Spring Planting Supplies
What to Plant in March-April in Miami
- Flowers: Pentas, lantana, salvia, vinca, coleus, caladium (April), zinnia
- Vegetables: Tomatoes (last chance), peppers, eggplant, sweet potatoes, southern peas, okra
- Herbs: Basil, rosemary, oregano, lemongrass, mint (in containers)
- Tropicals: Hibiscus, plumeria, bougainvillea, palms
Supplies Needed
- Compost for soil preparation
- Mulch for weed suppression and moisture retention
- Slow-release fertilizer appropriate for your plants
- Fresh potting mix for container plants
- Soaker hoses or drip irrigation supplies to conserve water
Irrigation Prep
Spring is the transition from dry season to wet season in South Florida. Prepare your irrigation for the shift:
- Adjust timers from 2x weekly (winter) to 3x weekly (spring), then reduce as rains increase in May-June
- Replace broken or misaligned sprinkler heads
- Check for coverage gaps and add heads where needed
- Consider adding rain sensors if you do not have them (required by law in many Florida jurisdictions)
- Mulch reduces watering needs by up to 70% — money in your pocket all summer
Pest and Disease Prevention
Spring warmth brings increased pest activity. Proactive steps now prevent bigger problems later:
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide to beds before mulching (wait 24 hours before mulch application)
- Inspect plants for early signs of scale, whitefly, and aphids — treat early before populations explode
- Ensure good air circulation around plants by pruning crowded growth
- Clean mulch reduces pest habitat compared to bare soil or decomposed old mulch
Budget Planning
Typical spring garden prep costs for a standard Miami residential property (3,000-5,000 sq ft of landscape):
- Mulch (20-40 bags): Core investment for appearance and plant health
- Compost (5-10 bags): Soil building for gardens and beds
- Plants and flowers: Varies by taste and scope
- Fertilizer: Seasonal application
- Irrigation repairs: Usually minor annual maintenance
Shop all your spring garden supplies at Coco Garden Supply, or request a quote for bulk orders. We deliver throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.