9 Spring Gardening Tips for the Weekend

Springtime is traditionally when many new flowers and bulbs emerge due to the slightly warmed up earth. And now that the weather has started to defrost, it’s the perfect time for eager home gardeners to get some preparation work in as early as possible, to reap abundant ‘rewards’ later on.

Get your outside space in top shape with these nine Spring garden pointers and tips! Getting your garden ready for Spring planting should be a pleasure rather than a chore, so put on your trusty gloves and warm gardening wear and make it a weekend bonding activity to share with the whole family!

Tidy it up

Cleaning up your garden may seem like a never-ending chore, but if done regularly, tidying it up for Spring shouldn’t too long.

Start your “Big Clean Up” this weekend, and remember to collect all the dead leaves and stalks that have fallen to the ground during winter. It’s an important step before getting any gardening work done as these harbor diseases and allow bacteria to develop and infect your plants– a disastrous start to the growing season. Any hard landscaping should be included in the clean-up, as well. A good sweep and clean with plenty of water should suffice, but if you prefer to use cleaning products, make sure to protect your plants.

Feed your lawn

The season is the perfect time to feed and rake your lawn and scarify the ground. Doing so will ensure that all debris and dead grass cuttings are removed, thus allowing your lawn to breathe and not become waterlogged. You can also squeeze in leveling off any uneven areas in your garden and add new grass seeds to give your turf an easy facelift.

Reduce, Reuse, Compost

The good thing about clearing away organic matter from your garden is that you can put it to good use– through composting! If you’ve got a compost pile, make sure to turn it over during your gardening time. It’s been working hard over the winter, and you’ll find that the bottom layer will make an excellent mulch, which will be the perfect spread for your flower bed.

Prune it, Trim it

Most plants could do with a little TLC to get them Spring-ready. Easy tasks like re-potting, moving to a more protected area, or trimming the stems can encourage new growth. Take the time to identify the plants that need pruning around this time, and get everything sorted before you start growing new ones.

Banish those weeds

These pesky weeds have been enjoying their time in your garden for too long (try the whole winter!), so remove as many as you can as you prep your soil. Most of these weeds can be removed by hand, but stubborn ones may need a weedkiller.

Rake over your soil to maintain airflow and ensure the best growing matter possible as you plant your new perennials. New topsoil is also a good idea to get your garden Spring-ready!

Take care of your garden furniture

Now that the frost is gone, your garden furniture is going to need a bit of attention. Plastic is easy to revive with some warm soapy water and a sponge, but anything made of timber would need a bit more help. Start with a simple clean and then use the appropriate wood oil to seal it and protect it from the elements.

Ready the tools

Just like with the pots and containers for your new plants, your gardening tools also need to be clean and free from germs. Remember that pruning knives and shears need to be sharpened and oiled, so you get a good clean cut when using them on your plants.

Keep the pests out

Now that you’re through with the general cleanliness of your garden, it’s time to address the pests that are, apparently, still drawn to your plants.

Make sure to check underneath leaves for bugs and flies– some species can be brushed off, but some will need a specialist pest treatment.

Protect your fruits

Are you sure you’re the only one benefitting from your abundant garden? Birds and other animals will be drawn to your fruit trees and bushes as they hunt for food, so cover your fruits with protective netting where possible. Provide birds with an alternative food source like nuts in a bird feeder you can set up in your garden instead.