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.
