Spring gardening across the United States varies from region to region. However, gardening in the Northeast has numerous advantages—beautiful, contrasting four seasons and bursts of summertime flowers even on the warmest of days.

Use these tips to ensure that the required spring preparation is completed and that your garden is in tip-top shape this season.

Turn over winter cover crops in your garden beds, and add compost to establish the perfect foundation to sprout new life.

In the first few weeks of April, start planting seeds of warm-season veggies and plants, such as tomatoes and zinnias, inside. All seeds will be ready to transport outside by the end of May.

Dress up outdoor pots with color, and plant flowers that love cool weather, such as violas, snapdragons, and pansies. TIP: Be cautious of frost-sensitive annuals.

Tackle weeding while the weeds are still relatively small. Hand-dig offenders with either a hoe or a putty knife.

Water all transported plants, and add a shovelful (or two) of compost.

Toward the end of the season, be sure to divide summer and fall flowering perennials before the plants exceed six inches tall.