Garden Advice for Spring 2025
- Mar 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 21
3/07/2025
Ramsey County Master Gardener Volunteer Program
A Note from the Master Gardeners
We’re very excited to announce that our annual plant sale will return this year to Aldrich Arena in Maplewood! The large space means we’ll again have tons of plants to offer — including more native flowers and popular favorites. Save the date: May 17, 2025
Looking to plant some seeds in your flower or vegetable garden this spring? Take a look at the Master Gardener seed trial results. Since 1982, Master Gardener volunteers from across the state have tested popular flower and vegetable varieties. Find a list of the top-performing varieties from this community science effort.
Meanwhile, it’s promising to be a busy spring across Ramsey County! Check out the gardening resources below, and come say hi as we return to local farmers markets and yard waste sites in the coming months. We also invite you to join us for our spring garden classes, covering growing vegetables and herbs, composting, supporting pollinators and more!
— Your friendly neighborhood Master Gardener
Spring Garden Activities
MARCH
Start seeds for spring planting — University of Minnesota Extension’s seed-starting guide is a helpful reference, as is the DNR’s data on spring frost probabilities
Consider winter sowing or other strategies to get a jump-start on the growing season
APRIL
Divide some perennials (April through June)
Start cool-season seeds outside
Direct seed spring cover crops
Apply pre-emergent herbicide for crabgrass control
MAY
Clean up garden beds after night temperatures are above 50 degrees
Plant new trees and shrubs
Spring 2025 Garden Information
Each year, the National Garden Bureau highlights standout crops, and for 2025, Calendula, also known as pot marigold, takes the spotlight as an Annual of the Year. Loved for its vibrant blooms and versatility, this resilient flower is perfect for seasoned and new gardeners alike. Calendula thrives in cool weather, making it ideal for early spring planting
The best plan for spring cleanup is to hold off until temperatures are consistently over 50 degrees overnight. These warmer temperatures will support eggs and larvae to emerge that overwintered in standing dead stems and among fallen leaves. Help support our local helpful insects this spring.
Last summer, Ramsey County conducted a citizen science urban heat island data collection campaign in partnership with Hennepin County, with support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. The goal of the project was to understand urban heat islands, which are urban areas where the temperature can be significantly higher due to larger areas of concrete and other surfaces that radiate heat along with less tree canopy and green space to mitigate the heat. Results are now online — check out how your neighborhood compares!
Not just a weed – dandelion is an edible plant worth your consideration as a culinary addition. Although most of us spend time and products on eliminating dandelions from our yards, the truth is that dandelions are edible (so long as they have not been subjected to toxic chemicals) and can provide a tasty delight for your table. Read this article from our partners in Dakota County to learn more about edible dandelions and how you might enjoy them.
The late dormant season (late winter to early spring) is best for most pruning. That’s because fresh wounds will be exposed for only a short time before the temperature warms and growth begins to seal the cut. Another advantage of dormant pruning is that it's easier to make pruning decisions without leaves obscuring plant branch structure.
Looking to add a boost of nutrition to your diet this winter? Say hello to microgreens—tiny flavorful greens you’ve probably seen topping salads or sandwiches at fancy restaurants. Microgreens are easy to grow, incredibly nutritious, and the perfect way to bring some life to your kitchen during Minnesota’s cold months.
Earth Day is April 22 — this year, consider calculating your water use and taking steps to reduce your footprint. Remember: installing rain barrels, planting native plants, and watering more strategically are great ways to conserve water.
More Resources to Help you Grow
Ask a Master Gardener Online & Phone Services
Ramsey County Yard Waste & Food Scraps Drop-off Locations
