Spring is teasing us again—it’s the last week of April here in Calgary, and while it’s not quite planting time yet, there’s still plenty of garden magic happening. If you’re gardening in Zone 3, now is the perfect moment to observe, document, and prepare, without getting too eager with the rake or shovel.
📋Document Your Garden’s Wake-Up Call
One of the best tools for any gardener these days? Your smartphone. Snap pictures, jot down notes, and compare them with past years. It’s a great way to track what’s emerging when, what survived the winter, and where you might want to make changes later on.
I’ve included a few photos in this post to help fellow gardeners—especially those just getting started—identify some of the hardy perennials poking through. Spoiler alert: I haven’t weeded yet! That’s intentional. Some early “weeds,” like dandelions, are actually important food sources for emerging pollinators. As long as they’re not invasive or noxious, they can wait a little while longer.
🛑 Why I Leave the Old Growth—For Now
You’ll also notice I haven’t cleared out last year’s dead stalks and leaves. This might look untidy, but it serves a purpose:
Protection: That old growth acts like a natural mulch, insulating tender new shoots from spring snow and chilly night temperatures. Shelter: Many beneficial insects are still waking up, and old plant debris gives them a place to hide until the days get warmer.
Tip for Zone 3: Resist the urge to clean up until daytime temperatures consistently stay above 10°C. It helps ensure pollinators and overwintering insects get a safe start.
💦 Watering Wisely in Early Spring
My garden hose isn’t hooked up yet—still too risky with overnight freezes—but I have turned on my outdoor taps. Today, I hand-watered with my trusty green watering can, especially the front garden bed that gets full southern sun. Thanks to the deep overhang, that bed stays dry even after a snowfall, so I keep an eye on it.
Even after a light skiff of snow last weekend, I’m seeing life from tough perennials like sedum, wormwood, comfrey, and even a few brave wild strawberries
Pro tip for Calgary gardeners: South-facing beds warm up fastest, so monitor them closely for early growth—and don’t be afraid to give them a drink, especially if it’s been windy or dry.
🙈 Don’t Panic If You Don’t See Growth Yet
Not all plants will be springing up just yet. Here’s what can delay them:
Microclimates in your garden – Shaded or north-facing areas will thaw more slowly. Plant personality – Some perennials, like hostas, are drama queens. They’ll show up when they’re good and ready—usually right after you give up on them and buy new ones. Soil moisture and temperature – Roots won’t send up shoots until conditions feel just right. Patience is key.
What You Can Do Now
✅ Here’s your early spring checklist for Calgary and Zone 3 gardening:
Start documenting plant growth weekly—photos, notes, and observations are gold for planning. Hold off on cleanup until temperatures stabilize. Hand water as needed, especially in dry, sunny beds. Watch for early pollinators—and don’t be too quick to pull the dandelions. Sometimes what you think is a weed just might be a poppy popping up. Resist the garden center temptation for just a bit longer! (Wee-ellll maybe a couple pansies….) 😉
☀️ Wrapping Up
Spring is a slow reveal in our short-season, Zone 3 gardens, but that’s part of the magic. Take this time to observe your space, support your soil and insects, and enjoy the quiet moments before planting frenzy hits. Every year, the garden teaches us something new—this week, it’s patience.
Andrea’s Path to Plants 