Early spring brings unusual challenges for Nordic gardeners

This year’s spring has arrived about a month early, but unusually wet autumn conditions have left deep frost in the soil, creating an unusual combination for gardeners, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Lena Gillberg, a gardening expert at Strömsö, advises protecting evergreen plants from direct sunlight to prevent them from drying out, as frozen ground prevents them from absorbing water. She also recommends pruning young trees and shrubs now, while older specimens can wait until autumn.

Five tips for early spring garden care
1. Prune young trees and shrubs—older plants can be trimmed in autumn.
2. Shield evergreens with shade cloth to prevent sun damage.
3. Avoid raking leaves, as they act as natural fertiliser. Only remove thick layers from lawns to allow grass to breathe.
4. Apply lime to mossy lawns to reduce growth.
5. Add fertiliser a few weeks after liming, ideally before plants begin active growth.

At Helsinki’s Tali allotment gardens, gardeners have already started spring preparations. Miisa Helenius and Tuomas Väänänen have pruned old branches from apple trees and lilacs, with perennials, hydrangeas, and lilacs next in line. Helenius enjoys the early start but remains cautious about late frosts, noting that while snowdrops have emerged and bumblebees are active, she has not yet planted anything.

For Asko and Mirja Arkkola, the sudden arrival of spring ended skiing season abruptly. Their first tasks include installing birdhouses, which will host around 200 chicks this year. Meanwhile, Peter Rode is finishing his apple tree pruning, hoping the thaw will allow early sowing.

Many gardeners, like Rode, appreciate the flexibility of allotment gardens, where work can be done at a relaxed pace. Helenius adds that gardening provides mental relief: “In nature, you forget all your worries. It’s good for the soul.”