Hello Spring! | Celebrating the First Day of the Season in the Garden

Introduction: Embrace the Magic of Spring in Your Garden

Spring has officially arrived — and with it comes a burst of colour, growth, and excitement in the garden. After months of cold, grey skies and dormant beds, the first day of spring is more than just a calendar date. It’s the perfect time to shake off the winter blues, reconnect with nature, and breathe new life into your garden or allotment.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newcomer eager to dig in, the start of spring offers endless possibilities. In this article, we’ll explore how to celebrate the first day of spring in the garden, from planting early crops to creating spring rituals that make the season extra special.

1. What Happens in the Garden on the First Day of Spring?

The Science Behind the Spring Equinox

The first day of spring — also known as the spring equinox — marks the moment when day and night are nearly equal in length. From this point forward, the days get longer, the soil begins to warm, and plants start to awaken from their winter slumber.

Key Garden Changes You’ll Notice:

Buds breaking on shrubs and trees
Daffodils, crocuses, and primroses blooming
Soil softening for sowing seeds
Birds becoming more active

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2. Spring Garden Preparation: Tasks to Kick Off the Season

Get Your Garden Ready for Growth

To make the most of early spring, start with a few key prep jobs:

Clear debris: Remove dead leaves, fallen twigs, and old mulch.
Tidy borders and raised beds: Edge beds and remove weeds.
Turn compost: Mix your compost bin to activate decomposition.
Check tools: Sharpen blades, clean spades, and replace any broken gear.

These chores ensure your garden is clean, safe, and ready for planting.

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3. Planting on the First Day of Spring: What Can You Sow Now?

Sow the Seeds of the Season

Spring is prime time for sowing hardy vegetables and flowers that can handle a bit of chill.

Vegetables to Sow Outdoors Now:

Broad beans
Carrots
Parsnips
Spring onions
Peas

Flowers to Sow:

Calendula
Nigella
Cornflowers
Sweet peas (outdoors now if not already sown indoors)

You can also start tender crops indoors like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and courgettes.

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4. Celebrate Spring with Seasonal Garden Rituals

Create a New Tradition for the First Day of Spring

Make the change of season meaningful by introducing simple springtime rituals into your gardening life:

Plant a tree or shrub as a symbol of growth.
Create a spring display with potted bulbs near your front door.
Hang a handmade bird feeder to welcome wildlife.
Take a garden walk and note what’s emerging or in bud.

These small moments help you pause and appreciate nature’s new chapter.

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5. Decorating the Garden for Spring

Add Colour and Charm

Nothing says “Hello Spring!” like a colourful, refreshed garden. Try these simple decor ideas:

Add spring wreaths to shed doors or fences.
Fill containers with seasonal flowers like violas, primulas, and daffodils.
Use bunting or garden signs to brighten patios or paths.
Display a “Welcome Spring” chalkboard by the greenhouse.

Decor not only lifts your space, but boosts your mood and encourages visitors (human and feathered!).

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6. Invite Wildlife Back Into the Garden

Spring Is for Pollinators and Nest Builders

As temperatures rise, birds, bees, butterflies, and other creatures return to our gardens. Help them settle in by:

Cleaning out bird boxes or adding new ones.
Leaving natural nesting materials like twigs and dry grasses.
Planting early nectar sources like heather, lungwort, and flowering currant.
Providing a shallow dish of water for drinking and bathing.

Wildlife-friendly gardens are healthier, happier spaces for everyone.

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7. Prune, Divide & Rejuvenate Plants

Give Your Garden a Fresh Start

Spring is the ideal time to give plants a bit of tough love:

Prune roses, fuchsias, and buddleia before strong growth begins.
Divide clumps of perennials like hostas and daylilies to boost blooms and reduce crowding.
Cut back ornamental grasses to make way for new shoots.

Doing this early in the season sets your garden up for vigorous, lush growth.

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8. Feed the Soil, Not Just the Plants

Healthy Soil = A Productive Season

Before planting ramps up, give your soil the attention it deserves:

Add well-rotted compost or manure to improve structure.
Use worm castings or organic fertilisers for nutrient boosts.
Mulch around fruit bushes and trees to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Spring soil work pays dividends all summer long.

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9. Spring Garden Projects to Start Today

Big or Small — Get Creative in the Garden

Spring’s arrival is the perfect excuse to kick off a new project:

Build a new raised bed or cold frame.
Create a wildflower patch for pollinators.
Start a cut flower garden for homegrown bouquets.
Set up a rainwater collection system to future-proof against dry spells.

These projects breathe new energy into your garden and offer long-term rewards.

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10. Enjoy the First Spring Day with Your Senses

Soak It All In

Take a mindful moment on the first day of spring to enjoy:

The fragrance of fresh earth and blossoms
The sight of new growth and early flowers
The sound of birdsong returning to your plot
The feel of the sun warming your face again

This sensory experience reconnects you to your space and boosts your well-being — one of the best parts of gardening.

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Conclusion: Say Hello to a New Growing Season

The first day of spring is not just the start of a new season — it’s the beginning of endless possibilities in your garden. From sowing seeds to starting fresh projects, March marks a powerful turning point for any gardener.

By celebrating the season’s arrival with intention and action, you’ll deepen your connection with the natural world and set the tone for a successful growing year. So say it loud — Hello Spring! — and let the gardening adventures begin.

Top 10 FAQs: Celebrating the First Day of Spring in the Garden

1. What is the first day of spring in the UK?

The spring equinox usually falls on 20th or 21st March in the UK, when day and night are nearly equal.

2. What should I do in the garden on the first day of spring?

Start with a garden tidy-up, sow early seeds, and plan spring projects.

3. Can I plant flowers on the first day of spring?

Yes! Hardy annuals like calendula and sweet peas can go outside, while tender plants should be started indoors.

4. Is it too early to plant vegetables?

Not at all. Broad beans, parsnips, onions, and carrots can be direct-sown in March.

5. What decorations can I add to celebrate spring?

Use pots of seasonal flowers, spring bunting, or a “Hello Spring” sign to create a festive feel.

6. How can I attract wildlife to my garden in spring?

Clean bird feeders and boxes, plant early nectar sources, and provide water dishes.

7. Should I fertilise my garden on the first day of spring?

Yes — applying compost or organic feed now will give plants a great head start.

8. What tools should I check in early spring?

Sharpen pruners, clean hand tools, check hoses, and organise your potting area.

9. Can I start new garden projects in March?

Absolutely — it’s a great time to build beds, start wildflower areas, or create a compost station.

10. How can I make the day feel more special?

Take a moment to walk your garden, start a journal, plant something meaningful, or share the day with a fellow gardener.