With Spring now well on the way and the arrival of warmer weather it can certainly put a spring in everyone’s step. For gardeners it can be one of the most enjoyable and active times.
Where to begin?
– Start by taking this last opportunity to order annual plants. Geraniums, begonias, violas and petunias will all prettify borders and help create interesting hanging baskets.
– Give your greenhouse a good scrub to remove pests and any ominous diseases.
– Prepare plant beds for growing. Dig in compost or manure.
– Keep plants well-watered. As the weather becomes warmer, the moisture in the soil will dry out and the UK is currently experiencing quite a dry April.
– Divide perennial plants to create new ones to plant around the garden.
– Move any evergreen plants now the soil will be moist and not frozen.
– Feed trees and shrubs by forking slow-release fertilizer into the soil.
– Tie climbing plants such as climbing roses, honeysuckle and clematis. Check the ties on any trees to ensure they are loose enough to allow growth.
– Prune back dead foliage on perennials and grasses to encourage new growth.
– Deadhead spring bulb flowers such as daffodils or tulips but leave the foliage to fade away naturally.
In the vegetable patch:
- Prepare your beds for planting seeds. Weed and turn the soil.
- Use plastic to cover the soil to keep it dry and warm ready for planting.
- If your back doesn’t forgive you for continual bending, why not make some raised beds to plant vegetables in? If you already use them then top them up with good quality soil.
- Support peas and beans early.
- Assess your compost to see if it is ready for use.
General gardening and regular:
- Start getting back in the habit of regular weeding.
- Pull weeds from patios and paving.
- Check plants for pests or disease.
- Pressure wash patios and paths.
- Start topping up the bird bath and putting seed out in your bird feeder.
- Sow lawn seed on any patches and keep watered.
- Lay turf now to any new areas you want a lawn.
- Start mowing the lawn regularly.
- Install edging to tidy up the lawn.
We hope you enjoy spending some time outdoors, getting your garden ready for Summer. When all your jobs are done, it might just be warm enough to dust off the BBQ and enjoy a burger or a nice drink in your favourite garden chair.