Spring in Temecula Valley is like nature’s version of a pop quiz—it arrives earlier than you think. If your garden’s still snoozing from winter, it’s time to wake it up. Whether you’re growing heirloom tomatoes or just trying to keep your succulents alive, this guide cuts through the clutter with actionable tips tailored to our sunny, soil-friendly corner of Southern California.
The Dirt on Soil Prep
Let’s start with the foundation: your soil. Think of it as your garden’s pantry—it needs to be stocked with the right nutrients. In February, mix in compost or a soil conditioner to enrich your planting beds. If you’re feeling fancy, perform a soil test to see what’s missing. If not, just toss in some organic compost and call it good. Your plants won’t judge. For those using raised beds or containers, refresh the soil by adding new planting mix to keep things fertile.
Pro tip: Avoid over-tilling. While it loosens up compacted soil, it can also bring dormant weed seeds to the surface. Nobody invited weeds to this garden party.
Seedlings: The Early Birds
If you plan on growing veggies or flowers from seeds, now’s the time to get those babies started indoors. Use seed trays and place them near a sunny window or under grow lights if you’re serious about it. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are solid choices for indoor starts in Temecula. By the time they’re ready to move outdoors, spring will have rolled out its green carpet.
For those who prefer instant gratification (no judgment), nurseries are starting to stock bare-root plants like strawberries, grapes, and roses. These ready-to-go options save you from waiting weeks to see signs of life.
Weeds: The Unwelcome Guests
Weeds are like that one neighbor who shows up uninvited and overstays their welcome. Now’s the time to evict them before they dig in deeper—literally. Pull them out by hand or use a hoe for larger areas. Stay consistent because weeds can multiply faster than rumors in a small town.
Pruning: A Little Off the Top
February is prime pruning season in Temecula Valley. Roses? Give them a haircut before mid-February for fuller blooms later. Fruit trees? Trim away dead branches and shape them up before new growth begins. Just don’t go overboard—pruning isn’t about revenge but renewal.
For perennials like daylilies or chrysanthemums looking overcrowded, divide and replant them now so they have room to thrive when spring hits full stride.
Fertilize Like You Mean It
Your garden has been hibernating (or at least pretending to), so it’s hungry for some nutrients. Apply an organic fertilizer to shrubs, flower beds, and vegetable areas. If you’ve done that soil test we discussed earlier, choose a fertilizer that fills in any nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium gaps.
For roses and other flowering plants, consider adding Epsom salts to encourage new growth—it’s like giving them a spa day.
Water Wisely
Spring in Southern California can be unpredictable—one day it’s sunny and warm; the next day it’s raining just enough to make you think you don’t need to water anything. Don’t fall for it! Set up a consistent watering schedule, ideally in the morning when evaporation is minimal but fungal diseases aren’t lurking yet.
Invest in a rain barrel or two if you’re feeling eco-friendly (and we hope you are). They’ll collect what little rain we get and save you from draining your wallet on water bills later.
Plan Your Spring Showstopper
Dreaming of adding something new this year? Maybe a veggie patch that doesn’t look like an afterthought? Or perhaps some native California plants that attract pollinators while saving water? Now’s the time to sketch out your plans and prep the space.
For veggie lovers: Cool-season crops like lettuce, kale, and radishes can go into the ground now if you’re below 2,000 feet elevation (which most of Temecula is). Hold off on summer veggies like tomatoes until late March when the soil warms up.
For flower enthusiasts: Start planting hardy annuals like pansies and snapdragons now for early color. Save heat-loving blooms like marigolds and zinnias for later in spring.
Mulch: The Unsung Hero
Mulch isn’t glamorous, but it gets the job done. Spread a thick layer around your plants to lock in moisture, regulate soil temperature, and keep those pesky weeds at bay. Bonus: It makes your garden beds look polished without much effort—kind of like throwing on sunglasses when you don’t feel like wearing makeup.
Check Your Tools (and Your Attitude)
Before you dive into full-on gardening mode, take inventory of your tools. Are your pruners sharp? Is your hose leaking more than watering? Fix these issues now so you’re not scrambling later when everything’s blooming.
And while we’re at it—check your attitude too! Gardening should be fun (or at least not stressful). Take breaks when needed, admire your progress often, and remember: even if things don’t go perfectly this season, there’s always next year.
With these tips under your belt (or gardening apron), you’ll be ready to tackle spring head-on—and maybe even impress your neighbors while you’re at it. Happy gardening!
Sources: eaglecrestnursery.com, westwoodgardens.com
Header Image Source: Sandie Clarke on Unsplash
