Spring is just around the corner and that means it’s time to get our gardens back in shape! If you’re like most gardeners, you’ve probably been daydreaming of lush green lawns and vibrant flower beds since the cold weather set in. Now it’s time to make those dreams a reality. The key to success with your garden is preparation. Taking the time to properly prepare your garden for the season will ensure that you have a healthy, productive outdoor space all summer long. In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips on how to get your garden ready for spring so that you can enjoy a beautiful landscape for many months to come.
Cleaning
Your outside space may have been neglected over the winter months, but now is the time to start thinking about getting it ready for spring. Here are a few tips on cleaning your garden:
1. Start by removing any dead leaves or debris that has accumulated over the winter. This will help to tidy up the area and make it look more presentable.
2. Next, you will need to weed the garden beds and clear out any unwanted plants or weeds. This will give you a clean slate to work with when planting new flowers or vegetables in the spring.
3. Once the beds are clear, you can add some fresh mulch to help nourish the soil and retain moisture. This will also give your garden a neater appearance.
4. Finally, take some time to prune any dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs. This will encourage new growth in the spring and help keep your plants healthy.
5. Clean off any decking or paved areas using a jet wash, or if you don’t have one you could ask an outside company to come in and do this for you. They do a great job and your decking and patio will look brand new!
Maintenance
Over the winter, we lock down the garden and leave it to do it’s own thing, so it’s worth having a wander round to see if there is any damage from the winter elements. Perhaps your paving needs some repointing or maybe a slab has become loose.
Many companies offer some general garden maintenance help. Or perhaps walking round you have decided you’d like a design overhaul? Now is the time to get in touch with garden landscaping companies like ourselves.
Preparing the soil
The first step in getting your garden ready for spring is to prepare the soil. This can be done by either tilling the soil or using a shovel to loosen the soil. You should also add any additives that your plants may need, such as compost or manure. Once the soil is prepared, you can then begin planting your spring garden.
What plants to choose
When it comes to choosing plants for your garden, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider what type of plants you want. Do you want flowers, vegetables, or both? Once you know what type of plants you want, research which varieties do well in your area. You’ll also want to consider the amount of sun and shade your garden gets, as well as the soil type. With all of this in mind, you can start choosing the perfect plants for your spring garden!
When to plant
When it comes to planting, the timing depends on what you’re hoping to grow. Hardy vegetables like spinach can be planted as early as late winter, while more delicate ones like tomatoes should wait until the danger of frost has passed. Check plant tags or seed packets for guidance on when to sow specific crops. As a general rule of thumb, most vegetables do best when planted in early spring.
Watering
Once the weather starts to warm up, it’s time to start thinking about watering your garden. If you’re not careful, your plants can quickly become dried out and stressed (although not likely to happen right now!) Here are a few tips to help you water your garden properly:
– Water in the morning or evening, when the sun isn’t as strong. This will help prevent evaporation and ensure that your plants get the moisture they need.
– Don’t water too frequently. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other problems.
– Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the roots of your plants. This is much more efficient than using a sprinkler, and it will help reduce water waste.
– Be sure to adjust your watering schedule as the weather changes. Hotter temperatures will require more frequent watering, while cooler weather will need less frequent watering.
Fertilising
When it comes to fertilising your garden, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to know what type of fertiliser you need. This will depend on the type of plants you have in your garden. Second, you need to apply the fertiliser properly. too much or too little can damage your plants. Third, you need to be aware of the potential for runoff and how it can impact the environment.
With all of that in mind, let’s take a closer look at each of these points.
1. What type of fertiliser do you need?
The type of fertiliser you need will depend on the types of plants in your garden. For example, if you have mostly annuals, then you’ll want a fertiliser that is high in nitrogen. This will help promote growth during their growing season. On the other hand, if you have mostly perennials, then you’ll want a fertiliser that is higher in phosphorus and potassium. This will help promote blooming and root growth.
2. How should you apply fertiliser?
It’s important that you apply fertiliser properly so that your plants can benefit from it without being damaged. If you apply too much fertiliser, it can “burn” your plants and stunt their growth. If you apply too little, then it won’t be effective. The best way to determine how much fertiliser to use is by reading the instructions on the package carefully and following them closely.
Mulching
Mulching is a great way to protect your plants and gardens from the elements. It helps to keep the ground moist, which is essential for plant growth, and also prevents evaporation. Mulching also helps to insulate the ground, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. There are many different types of mulch available, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
Weed control
It’s important to control weeds in your garden so they don’t take over and crowd out your plants. You can use a hoe or trowel to manually remove them, or use a herbicide. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions, as some herbicides can harm your plants if used incorrectly.
If you are considering a new garden design or want some help with your hard landscaping, we would be happy to help.
