5 Things to Do Before the Victoria Day Long Weekend
For many Ontario gardeners, the Victoria Day long weekend marks the true start of the gardening season.
Garden centres are buzzing, patios are opening, vegetables are being planted, and outdoor living officially begins.
Before the long weekend arrives, here are five smart ways to get your home and garden ready for the season ahead.
1. Refresh Your Flower Garden
After a long winter, flower beds often need a little rejuvenation.
This is the perfect time to:
● Clean up winter debris
● Edge garden beds
● Add fresh mulch
● Fill empty spaces with colourful annuals
Top flowers to plant now:
● Petunias
● Dahlias
● Geraniums
● Begonia
● Snapdragons
Pro Tip:
Mix upright plants with trailing varieties to create fuller, more professional-looking gardens and containers.
Why it matters:
Fresh colour instantly boosts curb appeal and creates that “summer has arrived” feeling.
Warning: Keep monitoring the weather for frost!! If it’s in the forecast cover up or bring in!
2. Prep Your Food Garden
Victoria Day weekend is traditionally when many Ontario gardeners plant heat-loving vegetables. - this weekend, we suggest not planting yet however purchase early for best selection
Great cold hardy choices to plant now include:
● Kale
● Cabbage
● Lettuce
● Spinach
● Parsley
Before planting:
● Add compost or quality garden soil
● Install cages or supports early
● Make sure soil temperatures are consistently warming before planting tomatoes and peppers.
Pro Tip:
Wait until soil temperatures are 15c before planting tomatoes and peppers in the garden.
Why it matters:
A properly prepared food garden produces healthier plants, better yields, and fewer problems later in the season.
3. Get Your Patio Ready for Summer
Your patio is more than outdoor space—it’s an extension of your home.
Before the long weekend:
● Wash outdoor furniture
● Add fresh cushions or pillows
● Sweep and clean surfaces
● Incorporate containers and hanging baskets
● Add lighting for evenings outdoors
Pro Tip:
Use planters of varying heights to create depth and soften hard patio edges.
Why it matters:
A comfortable, inviting patio encourages you to spend more time outdoors all season long.
4. Make Your Front Entrance Pop
Your front entrance is the first thing guests and neighbours see.
Simple upgrades can make a huge difference:
● Add matching containers
● Incorporate a fresh door mat
● Use symmetry for a polished look
● Add flowering plants that complement your home colour
Great plants for entrances:
● Mandevilla
● Kimberly Queen Ferns
● Geraniums
● Coleus
● Hibiscus
Pro Tip:
Choose one “statement plant” as the focal point and build around it.
Why it matters:
A welcoming entrance creates instant curb appeal and sets the tone for your entire property.
5. Feed Your Garden Before Summer Growth Explodes
Plants are actively growing right now and need nutrients to thrive.
This is a great week to fertilize:
● Evergreens
● Flowering shrubs
● Containers
● Hanging baskets
● Vegetable gardens
Pro Tip:
Slow-release fertilizers provide steady feeding and reduce maintenance during busy summer weeks.
Why it matters:
Feeding now supports stronger roots, healthier foliage, and better flowering through summer.
Final Thought
The Victoria Day long weekend is about more than planting—it’s about creating spaces to gather, relax, and enjoy the season ahead.
A few simple updates now can completely transform how your home and garden feel heading into summer.
Happy Victoria Day Weekend from all of us at Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery!
We hope your weekend is filled with sunshine, gardening, family, and time outdoors. 🌸
