Spring into action

Now that winter is winding down, it’s time to start thinking about getting your garden ready for spring. There’s nothing like the start of spring to get you in the gardening mood! There are a few things you can do to prepare your garden for the upcoming season.

One of the most important tasks is to clean up any debris left over from winter. Remove any fallen branches or leaves, and rake up any remaining dirt or gravel. This will help to ensure that your garden is clean and ready for new growth.

TIME TO START PLANTING

If you have any plants that died during the winter, remove them from the garden and discard them. You may also want to consider dividing any perennials that have grown too large, in order to make room for new plants.

Once you’ve cleaned up the garden, it’s time to start planting. You can plant seeds directly into the ground, or you can use starter pots to get your plants started. Be sure to water your plants regularly, and keep an eye out for pests and diseases.

If you’re looking to get your garden ready for the new season, here are a few tips to help you out.

SPRING GARDEN PREPARATION CHECKLIST

• Clean up your garden beds. Remove any debris or dead plants from the previous season. This will help make room for new growth and give your plants a healthy start.
• Improve your soil. If your soil is nutrient-poor, add some organic matter to improve its quality. This will help your plants get off to a strong start and increase their overall yields. Boost your soil quality by digging, forking and mulching. Digging and forking through the soil allows you to loosen any compaction and remove weeds and debris, as well as providing the perfect opportunity to add the organic matter.
• Add fertiliser. A good fertiliser will provide your plants with the nutrients they need to grow big and strong. Fertilisers provide crops with nutrients like potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen, which allow crops to grow bigger and faster, and to produce more food. Be sure to read the label carefully to choose the right product for your needs.
• Start planting. Make sure you plant according to the climate in your area – for example, tomatoes won’t do well in cold weather, so wait until it’s warmer before putting them in the ground. For flowers, try geraniums, primulas, pansies. For vegetables, consider planting peppers or cucumbers as well as tomatoes. And don’t forget herbs – they’re a great way to add flavour to your meals.
• Install stakes or cages. If you are growing tall plants, be sure to install stakes or cages to help them stay upright. This will help to prevent them from falling over and becoming damaged.
• Water regularly. During the early stages of growth, your plants will need regular watering to get off to a good start. Be sure to check the weather forecast before watering, and adjust your schedule accordingly.

With a little bit of work, you can have a beautiful garden ready for spring!

Don’t forget, our professional friendly advisors are on hand to support you and can help you explore all of your options.