Are you spring garden ready?
As we enter March, spring will begin calling us back outdoors. It’s time to get some soil back under your fingernails and get ready to embrace the colours beginning to bloom.
We have put together our tips to make this transition as enjoyable as possible.
Give your garden a general inspection
Your garden has been through a lot over the past few months. Its has seen heavy rain and strong winds (and even that mild flurry of snow!) and so may need some TLC. Fences and greenhouses may need repairing, pots may need cleaning and tools replacing. Getting the foundations sorted at the beginning of the season will help ensure you will have time to enjoy the nice things about your garden as things begin to bloom.
This is also the perfect time to think about updating your garden furniture. We have large range of garden furniture available in-store; whether you want new or vintage, you will be sure to find something to fit your garden.
Protect the bird nests around your garden
At this time of year, wild birds will begin building their nests ready for the breeding period. Keep an eye out for any nests around your garden; they will build them in bushes, shrubs and trees. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to get up nest boxes.
What to give the wild birds in your garden an extra helping hand? Leaving out some high-protein food will help them prepare for the breeding season and also aid the recuperation of the migratory birds.
Get potting table ready
As we near to the growing season, it’s time to get your seeds ready. Start planning what you would like to grow this year and where you want to grow them.
If you would like advice on what to grow, get in contact with us today!
Replenish soil in potted plants
Overtime, your potted plants will begin to use up all of the nutrients found in potting soil. To give them an extra boost as they come into growing season, it’s best to replace the soil. This is also a great time to check their roots and to upgrade them to bigger pots if needed.
Weeding, pruning and mulch
It’s time to clear away all the debris in your flower beds. Weeding and pruning are all jobs to do before the growing season.
Some tender shrubs such as lavender and rosemary can be pruned now; shape and tame so that they don’t get out of control. To encourage new growth in summer flowering shrubs, such as fuchsia, cut them back back to the base of the plant. Ornamental grasses can now be cut back hard - avoid cutting back any green growth. Roses, herbaceous perennials and any spring-flowering shrubs will all benefit from some secateur action.
Don’t forget to use your compost heap! Everything you clear away will make great compost but don’t forget to turn over the pile to reveal the bottom layer. This should now be ready to use as mulch across your beds. Make sure that your compost heap is open in case any insects are still using your plants.
Lawn edging
Lawn edging is a really important step when preparing your garden for spring. Use a lawn edger to cut around your borders; this will help to prevent any new weeds entering your beds. After all, weeding is a job that you don’t want to have to repeat too often! Invest in some lawn edging tiles to minimise your work load for the future; ask in-store about lawn edging.
The stakes are high
It’s much easier to stake your perennials before they grow out of control. Staking them early in the season will help protect your perennials from damage caused by the British weather.
Remember not to tie your plants in too rigidly. They should be able to sway with the wind; this will ensure you don’t cause any stem damage.