Garden Planning Tips to Kickstart Your 2026 Spring Landscaping Project

As winter slowly loosens its grip on the Tri-State, many homeowners are eager to get outside and start planning their gardens and landscaping for the year ahead.

Jennifer Egbert, Owner of Egbert’s Landscaping and Lawncare in Cincinnati, says a little patience and thoughtful planning now can make a huge difference all season long.

Whether you’re refreshing garden beds, tackling houseplants, or planning a full landscape update, here are Jennifer’s expert tips to help you set your garden up for success.

🌱 Start Planning Your Landscape Now

Winter is the perfect time to sit down and plan your upcoming garden and landscaping projects. Think beyond just spring blooms—aim for a mix of plants that provide interest and longevity through all four seasons. Combining different colors, textures, and bloom times will keep your landscape looking beautiful year-round.

🧱 Consider Hardscape Elements First

When planning your landscape, remember to plan out your hardscape features like patios, walkways, retaining walls, and edging first, and wrap your gardens around those elements. Incorporating hardscape features early helps define spaces, improves functionality, and ensures plants and structures work together cohesively from the start.

❄️ Be Patient After a Long Winter

This winter’s extended cold means many plants may be slow to return. Some shrubs, like hydrangeas, may die back completely, and perennials could be late to emerge. Don’t rush to remove them—give plants time to show signs of life before assuming they’re gone.

🌷 Let Expired Foliage Die Back Naturally

After spring bulbs finish blooming, resist the urge to cut back leaves or trim the branches right away. Those green leaves may be busy preparing to bloom upcoming flowers. You can tie or braid them to keep things looking tidy but allow them to die back naturally before removing.

🪴 Give Houseplants a Gentle Spring Reset

While you patiently await the warmth and sunshine of spring planting season, give your houseplants a boost! If your houseplants are struggling, try misting the leaves instead of watering the soil and let the soil dry between waterings. Giving plants a thorough rinse in the sink or shower can also help wash away dust and refresh them for spring growth.

📞 Book Landscaping Help Early

If you’re planning to hire help for garden beds or yard work, don’t wait. Spring schedules fill up fast for landscaping crews, so calling early increases your chances of getting work done when you want it.

See Jennifer in Person at the Show for Expert Advice

Looking for personalized guidance? Visit Jennifer and many more gardening and outdoor design experts at the Cincinnati Home + Garden Show. You’ll be wow’d by the massive indoor gardens designed by Cincinnati’s top landscapers.

You can even explore a whimsical, walk-through botanical greenhouse experience complete with fairy gardens, terrariums, tropical plants, succulents, and more created by Jennifer and her team at Egbert’s — many of which you can buy and take home from the show!

Jennifer will also be sharing on-site expert advice to help you plan your gardens and landscaping projects for the year ahead.

Attending the Cincinnati Home + Garden Show is a great opportunity to ask questions, get inspired, and start your spring landscaping or gardening project with confidence!

Buy your tickets now at cincinnatihomeandgardenshow.com.