It may not feel like spring in Minnesota, but soon enough we’ll be outside enjoying our yards again. With the spring thaw delayed a bit, now might be a great time to start mentally remodeling your garden.

If you’re like most homeowners in the Twin Cities, you plant the same flowers, shrubs, vegetables and herbs each year in your garden. You may have perennials that come back each year, but how do they do where they’ve been living?

Perennials – Are your perennials thriving or could they stand to be in a better area of your yard? Are they getting ample sunlight, is the soil nutrient rich? Are there pests destroying your plants?

If so, it’s time to do a little research about the best enviroment (and how you can change yours) for you plants. There are several great resources you can find online including this one from Gardener’s Supply Company. If you want more indepth guidance you can talk to the folks at Bachman’s or any gardening store. The Minnesota Horticultural Society offers a wide range of resources and even has several classes you can take to better your gardening skills. Check them out here.

Square Foot Gardening – The same goes for square foot gardening. While these plants don’t come back each year, you probably use the same soil and have probably gotten a little relaxed about giving it the nutrients it needs. A great resource for all your square foot gardening questions is Sunnyside Gardens. They provide online resources, services and are happy to talk with people about their gardens.

Patio – Of course the backyard is more than your plants, it’s also about creating a welcoming outdoor living space that you can enjoy all season long. If you’re backyard area or patio area is in need of a remodel it might be time to roll up your sleeves and do a little DIY in the backyard. For some inspiration on patio remodels, check out Houzz.