Is it too early to begin planning for the spring garden? Absolutely not! Gardeners always plan ahead, whether it is a vegetable or pollinator garden, and now is the time to think about plant choices and placement.

My pollinator garden became overgrown last year, so soon I will be choosing more flowers that will attract birds, bees and butterflies. Before I begin, organizing and thought are necessary.

My back garden receives sun for at least eight hours, so I need to consider those flowers and herbs that will welcome summer’s afternoon hot sun. Garden centers are the best place for advice on quality plants that will thrive and their staff can provide the best choices for sunny, part sun or shade-loving plants. Herbs are always welcome in the garden, close to the kitchen, where you can pick fresh herbs for cooking.

Some popular herbs, such as Italian parsley, dill and fennel, serve as host plants for the Black Swallowtail Butterfly, while also enhancing the flavor of our food.

Garden centers have seeds available, and if you had saved seeds from last year’s plants, most will germinate, giving you pleasure watching them emerge. Whether you grow inground or use patio planters is an individual choice, but consider how much sun, partial sun or shade each plant will require.

An advantage of planters is that you can move them to a more suitable area if more sun is required or shade is preferred.

Purchasing potted plants ensures you will have a good start on the plant’s growth. Consider the size of the plant at full growth and space them to avoid crowding. Studying a color palette of complementary or monochromatic colors, timing the blooms and adding companion plants can all be considered.

The tools and planters you use need to be cleaned if you neglected to clean them last fall. Dipping tools into nine parts water to one part bleach will ensure that your tools and pots will not pass any virus or bacteria from last year’s plants or soil.

Pruning shears or a lopper need to be not only cleaned but sharpened before using. Ergonomic soft grip handles will often help and are available at garden centers as well as sturdy gloves.

Finally, having your soil tested every few years will ensure the best chemical balance for your garden.

The Ohio State University Extension can furnish information on how to bring a small portion of soil to the office.

Ideally, the fall is the best time to have soil tested and amended, but any time is acceptable. Beginning in April, the Master Gardeners will be in the office from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursdays, but the office is open on weekdays. Call 330-533-5538 for questions or more information.

Planning ahead will ensure a successful garden. Let’s hope 2025 is our best year yet!

Kane Shipka is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.