AS winter draws to a close and the weather begins to warm, many Brits are eager to breathe life back into their gardens after months of seasonal neglect.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a complete novice, knowing where to start can often feel overwhelming.
To make the process easier, Richard King, a gardening expert at Dino Decking, has shared seven essential tips to help you prepare your garden for the upcoming spring.
With temperatures set to rise in the coming weeks, there’s no better time to get started.
Prune Late-Flowering Shrubs
A great way to kick off your gardening efforts is by tidying up your space and pruning late-flowering shrubs.
Doing this in late February sets the stage for a successful growing season.
Pruning shrubs like roses and clematis encourages strong new growth by removing weak or damaged stems, allowing the plants to focus their energy on producing healthy new shoots.
Additionally, clearing away fallen leaves and debris helps protect your plants from diseases.
Richard King explains: “A tidy garden promotes airflow and sunlight penetration, reducing the risk of fungal diseases spreading as plants begin to grow again.
“It also creates a clean canvas and easier soil access, making planning and preparation for spring much more manageable.”
Prepare Your Soil
Now is the perfect time to enrich your soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure.
This improves fertility, enhances structure, and increases moisture retention, all of which are essential for healthy plant growth.
Properly prepared soil can prevent common issues such as loose plants, soil compaction, and poor water drainage, all of which could hinder growth and create problems later in the season.
Plant Hardy Vegetables
Although it may feel early to plant, certain hardy vegetables thrive when sown at this time of year.
Onions, broad beans, and spinach are excellent choices for late winter sowing, as they are resilient and can withstand cooler temperatures.
Planting early also reduces competition from weeds, giving you a head start on the growing season and allowing you to enjoy fresh produce sooner.
Start Seeds Indoors
If you don’t have a vegetable patch or prefer to stay indoors for now, you can still prepare for spring by starting seeds inside.
Growing seeds indoors helps plants establish strong root systems, which can then be transplanted outdoors when the weather warms up.
Crops like tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines benefit greatly from an early start, leading to earlier harvests and more productive plants.
Resist the Urge to Mow Too Soon
As temperatures rise, it might be tempting to give your lawn its first cut of the year.
However, mowing too soon can do more harm than good.
During winter, grass enters a dormant stage, slowing its growth until the soil temperature rises.
Despite warmer air temperatures, the soil may still be too cold for grass to grow properly.
Richard King advises: “Mowing dormant grass too early weakens the lawn before it has a chance to develop strong roots and shoots.
“Early mowing disrupts root development, preventing your lawn from becoming thick, healthy, and drought-resistant in summer.
“It also encourages weeds and moss to take over.”
For the best results, wait until mid to late April before mowing.
This allows your lawn to establish strong roots, ensuring it thrives throughout the warmer months.
Check for Pests
As the days grow warmer, garden pests such as slugs, snails, and aphids begin to emerge.
Setting up natural deterrents early can help protect your plants before pests take hold.
Simple solutions like soapy water, crushed eggshells, or salt can help keep these plant-destroying critters at bay without the need for harsh chemicals.
Plan Your Garden
If you’re not ready to brave the cold just yet, late February is an ideal time to plan your garden from the comfort of your home.
Use this transitional period to map out your planting schedule, design your garden layout, and prepare any structures or tools you’ll need for spring.
A little planning now can save you time and effort later, ensuring your gardens are ready to flourish when the weather warms up.
Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs
Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives.
1. Clean your garden
Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. Gtech’s Garden Safety Kit includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks.
2. Weeding
Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round.
3. Hedge maintenance
Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat.
4. Composting
Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage.
5. Look after your lawn
Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely.