When Is Spring 2026?

Spring begins on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 11:24 AM EDT with the spring equinox. This astronomical event marks the moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator moving northward, creating equal day and night lengths across the globe and officially starting spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

The spring equinox represents one of two days each year when daylight and darkness achieve perfect balance. After this point, days continue lengthening until the summer solstice in June, giving us progressively more daylight for outdoor activities and growing seasons.

Understanding the Spring Equinox

The word "equinox" comes from Latin meaning "equal night." At this moment, the Earth's axis tilts neither toward nor away from the Sun, placing the Sun directly over the equator. This creates approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness worldwide.

The Science of Seasonal Change

Earth's 23.5-degree axial tilt creates our seasons. As Earth orbits the Sun, different hemispheres receive varying amounts of direct sunlight. During the spring equinox, both hemispheres receive equal illumination, marking the transition point between winter and summer extremes.

After March 20th, the Northern Hemisphere tilts increasingly toward the Sun, lengthening days and warming temperatures. By the summer solstice on June 20th, days reach their maximum length. This gradual shift enables plants to grow, animals to emerge from hibernation, and ecosystems to renew.

Spring Gardening Guide

Spring equinox signals the traditional start of gardening season, though optimal planting times vary significantly by location. Understanding your USDA hardiness zone and local frost dates ensures gardening success.

Determining Your Planting Schedule

Find your last expected frost date through your local agricultural extension office or online tools. This date serves as the foundation for your planting calendar. Cool-season crops tolerate light frost and can be planted 2-4 weeks before this date. Warm-season crops require soil temperatures above 60°F and should wait until 1-2 weeks after the last frost.

Soil Preparation

Spring soil preparation begins 4-6 weeks before planting. Test soil pH and nutrient levels through your extension office (typically $10-20). Most vegetables prefer pH 6.0-7.0. Amend soil based on test results using compost, lime (to raise pH), or sulfur (to lower pH).

Work 2-4 inches of compost into the top 8-12 inches of soil. This improves structure, drainage, and nutrient content. Avoid working wet soil, which creates compaction and clumping. Wait until soil crumbles easily when squeezed.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Many vegetables benefit from indoor seed starting 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants require this head start for productive yields in northern climates. Use seed-starting mix (not garden soil), provide adequate light (14-16 hours daily under grow lights), and maintain consistent moisture.

Spring Cleaning Strategy

Spring cleaning evolved from practical necessity - homes heated with wood and coal accumulated significant soot over winter. Modern spring cleaning offers opportunity for deep maintenance, organization, and fresh starts.

Systematic Room-by-Room Approach

Tackle one room per weekend rather than attempting everything at once. This prevents overwhelm and ensures thorough attention to each space. Start with least-used rooms (guest rooms, storage areas) and progress toward high-traffic areas (kitchen, living room).

Within each room, work top to bottom: ceiling fans and light fixtures first, then walls and windows, followed by furniture and surfaces, ending with floors. This prevents redistributing dust and dirt onto already-cleaned surfaces.

Essential Spring Maintenance Tasks

Beyond cleaning, spring offers ideal timing for home maintenance. Clean or replace HVAC filters, check smoke detector batteries, clean dryer vents (fire hazard if neglected), inspect roof for winter damage, clean gutters, power wash exterior surfaces, and service lawn equipment before regular use begins.

Spring Outdoor Activities

Warmer weather and longer days create perfect conditions for outdoor recreation and family activities.

Hiking and Nature Exploration

Spring offers unique hiking opportunities. Wildflowers bloom, migratory birds return, and waterfalls run at peak volume from snowmelt. Many trails become accessible as snow retreats but before summer crowds arrive. Research local trails and parks for spring-specific features like wildflower displays or bird migration viewing areas.

Outdoor Sports and Recreation

Spring sports include cycling (roads clear of winter salt and sand), kayaking and canoeing (higher water levels make previously shallow areas navigable), fishing (spring spawning runs bring fish to accessible areas), and disc golf (courses dry out from winter moisture).

Spring Festivals and Events

Communities celebrate spring's arrival with festivals, farmers markets, garden tours, and outdoor concerts. Maple syrup festivals in northern regions, cherry blossom festivals in temperate areas, and spring plant sales at botanical gardens provide seasonal entertainment and education.

Managing Spring Allergies

Spring pollen affects approximately 25% of adults and 20% of children in the United States. Tree pollen peaks March through May, followed by grass pollen in late spring and early summer.

Reducing Exposure

Monitor local pollen counts through weather apps or websites. Stay indoors during high-pollen days, particularly morning hours when trees release pollen. Keep windows closed and use air conditioning with HEPA filters. Shower and change clothes after outdoor activities to remove pollen from skin and hair.

Treatment Options

Over-the-counter antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine) provide relief for many people. Nasal corticosteroid sprays effectively reduce inflammation but require consistent daily use. Saline nasal rinses flush pollen from nasal passages. For severe allergies, consult an allergist about immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets).

Embracing Spring's Renewal

Spring represents more than warmer temperatures - it embodies renewal, growth, and fresh starts. The lengthening days affect human psychology positively, often bringing improved mood and increased energy as seasonal affective disorder lifts.

Use spring as motivation for personal renewal projects: establishing new exercise routines outdoors, starting creative projects, learning new skills, or simply spending more time in nature. The seasonal transition provides natural momentum for positive changes that might feel difficult to start during winter's short, cold days.