Spring Gardening

The depths of winter are over and spring is starting to creep into the garden. Tips of bulbs can be seen peeping through the soil – a sure sign that spring is on its way. This is a turning point for gardeners everywhere as it means we can get back outside and do what we love.

But don’t be too hasty. A couple of warm spring days and it’s tempting to buy, dig and plant before all danger of frost has passed. Be sure that there are no more frosts forecast or you run the risk of losing your tender plants. Instead concentrate on tidying and preparation.

Spring can be split into two gardening periods: early spring and late spring. There is no clear line between the two, but once days lengthen and there’s more sunlight and warmth on the ground you can feel confident that it’s nearly time to plant out your precious seedlings.

Jobs for Spring

Spring is one of the busiest times in the garden and your hard work now will reward you later in the year. There are numerous jobs to attend to:

• Rake the lawn and remove any debris to allow it to breathe. This is the time to aerate and repair any damaged patches by re-seeding or turfing.
• Once the weather has warmed consistently for a week or so the lawn will start to grow. You can start mowing when this happens but be careful not to mow when the lawn is still wet or you’ll damage it.
• Tidy borders and weed, weed, weed! Getting rid of the weeds now will stop them self-seeding, which will only cause you more work.
• Don’t be tempted to dig and turn the soil until it is dry enough as digging too early can damage its structure. It’s ready to dig when it crumbles in your hand, rather than stays as a muddy clump.
• Sow seeds – hardy outside and non-hardy in a propagator or greenhouse.
• When the ground warms plant or move any shrubs before they come into bud.
• Prepare the vegetable garden for all the succulent vegetables and salad you’re going to grow. Dig the soil and add compost and manure to feed it to make sure it’s of the best possible quality when it comes to planting time.
• Repair any fences or garden furniture that may have been damaged during the winter months. Now is the time to do this as you won’t have time later on when you’re busy transplanting all your seedlings and tending the new plants.

As each spring day passes and the daffodils, tulips and crocuses bloom the garden will become alive again. Blossom will suddenly appear and birds and insects will reappear. Enjoy the awakening of the new gardening year!