Spring jobs such as pruning and repotting should follow each plant's flowering and growth cycle, rather than a shared date in March. Look for the right stage before applying one list of jobs to an entire collection.
Let growth stage guide spring jobs
Spring weather and plant activity do not begin on the same day everywhere. Check for new shoots, warming conditions and the species' needs before moving pots outdoors, pruning or repotting.
Pruning depends on flowering wood
Some shrubs carry buds on the previous season's stems; others flower on new shoots. Cutting everything back together can remove the coming display. Remove clearly dead growth where appropriate, but identify healthy stems before making major cuts.
Repot for roots, not the date
Inspect a plant that is crowded, drying unusually quickly or growing in deteriorated compost. Choose a pot that fits the root system and a suitable medium. A large jump in pot size can leave excess wet compost around a small root ball.
Acclimate outdoor moves
Gradually introduce brighter light, wind and changing temperatures. Tender plants still need protection from late cold. Resume feeding in line with healthy active growth rather than starting strong fertilizer on every resting pot.
