The warmer temperatures and green shoots of spring are a very welcome sight after months of cold, dark nights. Spring is also the perfect time to revive your garden after the harsh winter months, but proper preparation is key.
Preparing your garden for spring can ensure that it thrives throughout the balmy late spring and summer months. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or are just starting out, read on for our top tips to prepare your garden and enjoy a healthy spring season.
Clear away weeds and debris
First, you’ll need to spring clean the area, clearing away any dead leaves or dead organic matter that’s built up on your lawn or soil beds. This can be added to a compost heap if you have one, but any well-composted matter can be left to enrich the soil.
You’ll also need to remove any living weeds, taking care to remove as much of the root as possible. Don’t add these to compost as they could germinate and spread; weeds should be burnt (if your area allows it) or collected and disposed of by a green waste company.
Prepare your soil
Once the soil is clear, you can begin preparing it for spring. Soil tends to become very hard and compacted during the cold winter months, so start by using a tiller or sharp spade to turn the soil and break it up. You can then add a healthy layer of compost to enrich the soil and improve plant growth. The type of compost you need will depend on the soil’s pH and nutrient levels and you can purchase soil pH test strips for use at home.
Prune back
Late winter/early spring is the perfect time to prune as you can get a better idea of the branch structure. Bear in mind that you should only prune plants which flower on new wood at this time of year. These include buddleia, honeysuckle, rose and wisteria, but it’s a good idea to research each shrub or tree type before you start snipping.
Clean your tools
It’s likely that tools will have been left to rust in the shed or garage all winter, so bring them out for a good spring clean. Remove rust and dirt by scrubbing tools in a bucket of hot water and detergent, then add lubricant to blades and hinges. You should also sterilize your tools with some isopropyl alcohol in between each use. This prevents any plant disease from spreading and keeps your tools nice and clean.
If you’re looking for the right tools to get your garden in working order, get in touch with the experts at A.McIlrath & Son. We’ve got everything you need to keep your garden neat, tidy and healthy, including lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, leaf blowers and more. We also offer repair, parts and maintenance services so you can ensure that your tools are working all year round. For more information or to discuss which products are right for you, give us a call today or contact us via the website.