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AS the frost thaws and days grow longer, it’s time to swap your woolly mitts for gardening gloves and give your outdoor space some much-needed TLC.

Whether it’s clearing winter debris or preparing your soil for new blooms, a little effort now will help your garden flourish all season long.

To help keen gardeners get a head start, Tom Clamp, head of technical at Doff Portland – manufacturer of premium garden care products – has shared his expert advice on how to revive your garden and get it spring-ready.

Tom says that spring is the perfect time to “breathe life back into your lawn”.

But ahead of that, there are three key steps you should be taking to prepare your grassy area.

The gardening pro says people should rake and aerate their lawns over the next couple of months to remove debris and improve soil ventilation.

Now is also the perfect time to overseed bare batches using a quality grass seed mix.

Finally, gardening fans should be fertilising and mowing their lawns regularly to encourage lush growth.

And the perfect length for your grass in the garden? Tom recommends a height of 3-5cm.

He adds: “Remember to avoid walking on waterlogged grass, as this can compact the soil and damage the roots.”

Away from the lawn, there are other areas of the garden people can get a head start on before spring.

Prune seasonal shrubs and trees that flowered last summer, shape evergreen shrubs and make sure you check for any frost damage.

“Look for cracked bark or discoloured leaves,” Tom says.

“Cut away any severely damaged areas and consider using frost protection covers for more vulnerable plants.”

“Healthy soil is also key to a thriving garden,” he adds.

You can enrich it with compost, chicken manure pellets or a soil conditioner and test pH levels to ensure optimal conditions.

Digging over planting beds, removing stones and preparing the soil for planting is also important.

For a burst of colour, you should plant spring bedding and bulbs too – or sow hardy vegetable seeds such as peas and broad beans directly outdoors, while starting warm-season crops, such as tomatoes, indoors.

It’s also time to start thinking about garden pests – including weeds and slugs.

“Weeds love spring just as much as we do,” warns Tom.

“They thrive in the warming weather and can quickly take over your garden if you’re not careful.”

The key to keeping them under control is acting early. Tom advises removing weeds while they’re still small and easy to manage.

“Hand-pull or hoe them before they establish deeper roots – it’ll save you time and effort later, he says.

For more stubborn weeds, Tom suggests using a targeted approach, as he adds: “Mulching with organic materials like bark or straw is a great way to suppress their growth while also benefiting your soil.

“If you need to use a weedkiller, always read the label carefully and apply only as directed.”

Spring pests such as slugs, fungal diseases and aphids can also “damage all your hard work”.

Tom dvises that you should egularly check your plants and take swift action by applying natural remedies, using slug pellets, or targeted sprays where necessary.

By following these steps, you’ll create the perfect environment for your garden to thrive.

“With a little effort now, you’ll enjoy a vibrant outdoor space all spring and beyond,” Tom concludes.

THOUSANDS of Ryanair passengers are facing “potential disruptions” due to “high winds” today.

The Irish airline took to its website to issue an important message to travellers.

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It reads: “Potential disruptions to/from Ireland (Mon 27 Jan) due to high winds.

“Affected passengers will be notified and any passengers travelling to/from Ireland on Mon 27 Jan should check their Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight.

“We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers by these weather conditions, which are outside of Ryanair’s control and affect all airlines operating to/from Ireland on Mon 27 Jan.”

The potential delays come just days after airlines were forced to cancel hundreds of flights due to Storm Eowyn.

Meanwhile, Aer Lingus has launched a big “pay day” sale as bank accounts bounce back after Christmas – but you will need to be quick to grab a bargain.

Holidaymakers can enjoy amazing deals with up to €40 off return fares to Europe, €20 off return fares to the UK, and flights to North America from just €199.

The offer is valid from now until midnight on January 31.

And you can fly to top European destinations from February 24 to May 31.

There are a number of seats to hotspots including Tenerife, Lanzarote and Malaga up for grabs.

For those planning a weekend city break, save €20 on return flights to the UK.

And Aer Lingus has you covered with flights to thrilling North American destinations starting at just €199.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or a memorable city break, there’s something for everyone. Experience the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, the vibrant culture of Toronto, or the architectural wonders of Chicago.

With fares reduced for a limited time, don’t miss your chance to discover the iconic skyline of New York or the historic charm of Washington DC with the Aer Lingus Pay Day Sale.

The valid travel period for the US flights is from February 24 to March 15.

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