As we stand on the threshold of spring, many of us will be welcoming the unfurling of new life among the brown and barren garden borders. The soil is beginning to get warmer, and soon it will be time to sow seeds and prepare plants ready for the growing season. Here are some top tips to help you get your garden shipshape for the joys of spring.
Clear up winter debris
Here in the UK, we have been battered by a string of storms strong enough to be named by the Met Office since September 2023, with winds of up to 100 mph and torrential rain.
It’s normal for us Brits to endure six to seven storms in a season, but by January 2024 we were already battening down for Storms Isha and Jocelyn, the ninth and tenth successive storms of the 2023/24 season. It’s thought that this is caused by the position of the jet stream and warmer than average sea temperatures.
From the perspective of gardeners, the storms have caused huge headaches, from felled trees to broken fences and collapsed sheds and greenhouses. Even if you have been lucky enough to escape serious damage, it’s likely that your garden is looking fairly untidy, with strewn twigs and piles of leaves.
You may choose this debris a little longer as it provides a habitat for overwintering wildlife such as insects and amphibians. However, as soon as the average night-time temperatures rise above 5 °C, it’s safe to clear away loose debris. Check for the presence of any creatures before you dispose of waste, and use what you can for composting.
Get control of weeds
Getting on top of weeds in the spring will pay off later on in the season. If you leave it until later, the weeds will be more numerous and deeper rooted, and thus more difficult to remove. They will also be taking up vital nutrients, light and moisture from the plants that you do want to cultivate.
Use a fork and trowel to dig up weeds by the roots and dispose of them in your garden waste bin. Add some mulch to beds and borders to help the soil retain moisture and suppress further weed growth.
Prune shrubs and trees
If you have hydrangeas, get set to prune them in March to encourage healthy growth and flowering later on in the season. Cut to just above the old flower heads.
Check other shrubs for frost damage or congested growth, and prune out any dead wood. Inspect your trees for signs of damaged or rotting branches that may need removing. Unless it is a very small tree, you may need to arrange a professional tree surgeon or garden maintenance company to do this.
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