It may be freezing cold outside but the birds know – so do the trees and shrubs. Spring is on its way but before it bursts forth into seed busting profusion, you need to do some preparation work. Great garden designers like Garden Club London appreciate that it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the work that needs doing. Don’t worry – just read on to find out what you can do so your garden is ready to leap into Spring!
Restock
Enjoy a cup of tea as the sleet lashes the windows, and peruse a seed/bulb catalogue. Think ahead – the wonderful Spring plants like daffodils and primrose will have faded by the hotter months. Now is the time to start restocking on your favourite, bee-friendly summer plants. Popular plants like lilies and hardy begonia will give you splashes of welcome colour once the Spring plants are finished.
Spring cleaning?
Clear away the debris from beds and borders in readiness for fresh planting – it’s better for wildlife if you remove detritus from perennials and grasses later in the Spring season. Get composting with discarded organic material – burn or dispose of weeds so they don’t reseed in your fresh sowing. Give your soil a boost by adding a layer of quality compost.
Pest power
Many garden pests hibernate so take a walk in your garden today and check your perennials – aphids, slugs and snails seek shelter through the colder months. There are various organic and chemical methods to remove pests – parasitic nematodes are effective in removing larvae and weevils.
On the move
During winter, deciduous shrubs are slumbering so if you want to move them it’s best to do so in the colder weather. Choose a calm day, as the wind can dry the roots. Dig a circle around the shrub and, with care, remove as much of the root ball as possible – relocate in the same depth of soil and add plenty of water.
Get composting
Rich compost can make such a difference to your plants – they thrive on the organic matter derived from everyday waste like vegetable peelings and paper. If you haven’t already, create a composting area in your garden. You can build your own, or purchase a bin. However you do it, you can also add grass cuttings and pruning matter – turn over with a gardening fork every few weeks to keep the developing compost aerated.
Spruce up
Wash the mud off your garden tools with hot water and detergent – don’t forget to sharpen them in readiness for the new gardening season. While you’re at it, if you have a greenhouse then give it a bit of TLC with some garden disinfectant and a thorough floor sweep. If any fences or other garden structures need some attention, do these jobs now so you’re free to do the more interesting stuff while the sun’s shining.
