Believe it or not, Spring is approaching, despite storms Isha and Jocelyn doing their best to convince us otherwise. Now is the time for you to start waking your garden from Winter’s slumber. Here’s a guide from ALS Landscaping in Lincoln to help you prepare your garden for a season of growth and beauty.
Assessing Your Garden
Winter Damage Check
Begin with a thorough inspection of your garden. Look for signs of winter wear like damaged branches or weakened fence panels. It’s also important to check garden buildings for issues such as leaky roofs or unstable foundations. Early detection allows for timely repairs, preventing further damage.
Hazelock have a great article outlining Common Winter Garden Problems and Solutions. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, it’s a great read!
Soil Health
Healthy soil is the foundation of a flourishing garden. We recommend performing a simple soil test using a kit from your local garden centre. We like this one, from Pennell’s Garden Centre. The test will reveal the soil’s pH level and nutrient content. Based on the results, you might need to enrich the soil with compost or adjust its ph. Remember, different plants thrive in different soil conditions, so understanding your soil is key to successful planting.
Garden Clean-Up
Remove Waste
Clearing away winter debris like fallen branches, dead leaves, and remaining plant stalks is crucial if you want your garden to bloom this year. It not only tidies up your garden but also prevents diseases and pests.
Why not compost suitable waste to create a nutrient-rich additive for your garden? You’ll be pleasantly surprised how empty your household waste bin starts to look and you’ll be doing your ‘bit’ to help with landfill too. The Spruce offers 15 DIY Compost Bin Plans in their recent blog.
Weed Control
Tackle weeds early. Weeding is easier when the soil is moist, and removing weeds before they seed will save you effort later on. Regular weeding keeps your garden tidy and ensures your plants aren’t competing for nutrients and water.
Fine Gardening offer Six Tips for Effective Weed Control in their recent article.
Lawn Care
Mowing and Maintenance
If you’re a fan of the green stuff, as soon as your grass starts to grow again, it’s time to start your mowing routine. For the first few cuts, set your mower to a higher setting to avoid stressing the grass. Regular raking is also important to remove thatch and moss, and aerating your lawn (making small holes in the soil) will improve water and nutrient absorption.
If you’re not a big fan and you’d prefer to enjoy your garden from a horizontal position. Have you considered the alternative? Artificial grass could be the perfect solution for you. To find out more about the options, get in touch with us today.
Fixing Bare Spots
Over-seed bare patches to encourage lush growth. Choose a grass seed mix that matches your existing lawn and is suitable for your local climate. Spring’s natural moisture and milder temperatures will help these seeds to establish themselves.
Pruning and Trimming
Pruning
Depending on the plant, some gardeners prefer to get the pruning out of the way before the frosts set in. We provided some expert tips in our Winter Wonderland blog last year. But for those of you who decided to wait, pruning encourages healthy plant growth. Think of it like giving your plants a trim.
Focus on removing dead or diseased wood, and shape your shrubs and trees to promote a strong structure. Be careful with spring-flowering shrubs; prune them after they’ve bloomed to not cut off this year’s flowers.
Perennials and Grasses
Trimming back dead foliage from perennials and ornamental grasses encourages new growth. This also gives you the chance to divide overcrowded perennials, which can be replanted to fill gaps in your garden or shared with friends. If you’re not sure where to start, the RHS has a few tips to get you on the right path.
Planting
Summer Flowers
Plant summer-flowering bulbs in well-drained soil at the correct depth. This ensures they have enough room to develop strong root systems. Good choices for UK gardens include dahlias, gladiolus, and lilies.
Farmer Gracey suggests more in his Top 10 Summer Flowering Bulbs to Plant in Spring.
Frost Tender Plants
Hold off planting frost-sensitive plants until the risk of frost has passed. Local weather patterns vary, so consult ALS Landscaping or your local garden centre for the best planting times in your area.
Mulching and Feeding
Mulch
Apply a layer of mulch around your plants and in your flower beds. Mulch helps maintain soil moisture, keeps roots warm, and suppresses weed growth. Organic mulches like bark or composted manure also add nutrients to the soil as they break down, as does compost, which if you’ve made your own from kitchen waste, is even better.
Fertilise
Choose a fertiliser that suits the needs of your garden. Slow-release fertilisers are great for providing a steady supply of nutrients. For organic gardening, consider natural fertilisers like seaweed extracts or homemade compost.
Prepare Your Tools and Supplies
Tool Maintenance
Now’s the time to sharpen and clean your tools if you want to make the job easier. Blunt tools can damage plants and make your work harder and regular maintenance extends the life of your tools.
Gardeners World suggest there are 10 Essential Gardening Tools that new Gardeners need. If you can think of any more, just let us know!
Stock Up on Supplies
Make sure you have all the things you’ll need, including seeds, compost, plant supports, and any pest control products. Well-prepared gardeners can respond quickly to their garden’s needs.
Planning and Design
Garden Layout
Now’s the time to think about any changes you’d like to make to your garden’s layout. Spring is the ideal time to start new projects, like creating a vegetable patch, adding a flower border, or building a new path.
If you’re not sure ‘how’ your new garden will look, why not check out our 3D Landscape Design service?
Plant Research
Look into new plant varieties that might suit your garden. Consider plants’ needs in terms of sunlight, soil type, and water requirements. Visiting local nurseries or garden shows can provide inspiration and practical advice, and if you want some ‘local’ expert advise, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Conclusion
As we stand on the cusp of spring, with the lingering memories of storms Isha and Jocelyn, it’s time to embrace the promise of renewal that this season brings to our gardens. The journey we’ve taken together in this essential guide to spring garden preparation has equipped you with the knowledge and tools needed to awaken your outdoor oasis from its winter slumber.
As you embark on this journey to revitalise your garden for the season ahead, remember that the beauty and serenity of your outdoor sanctuary are within your reach. Armed with knowledge and dedication, your garden will flourish, becoming a testament to the wonders of nature and the care you’ve poured into it.
As always, if you need any help, Get in touch with us today.
FAQs:
How can I assess the damage to my garden after winter storms?
To assess the damage caused by winter storms, begin with a thorough inspection of your garden. Look for signs of winter wear, such as damaged branches, weakened fence panels, or issues with garden buildings like leaky roofs or unstable foundations. Early detection is key to preventing further damage and ensuring your garden is ready for the upcoming season.
How do I improve the soil health in my garden?
Improving soil health is crucial for a flourishing garden. Start by performing a simple soil test using a kit from your local garden center to determine the soil’s pH level and nutrient content. Based on the results, you may need to enrich the soil with compost or adjust its pH. Different plants thrive in different soil conditions, so understanding your soil is essential for successful planting.
When is the best time to start mowing my lawn in spring?
In spring, as soon as your grass starts to grow again, it’s time to begin your mowing routine. For the first few cuts, set your mower to a higher setting to avoid stressing the grass. Regular raking is also important to remove thatch and moss, and aerating your lawn by making small holes in the soil will improve water and nutrient absorption. If you prefer a low-maintenance lawn, you can also consider artificial grass as an alternative.
