How to get your garden spring-ready

Many of us have been left with none too great looking gardens after the winter we’ve just had – so if you look out over a garden that’s in a bit of a sorry state, don’t fret, you’re far from alone!

There’s plenty you can do to perk up your outdoor areas ready for sunnier days, so follow our tips and you’ll soon be smiling at your garden again.

Tidy it up!
If you gave up on tidying the garden every time the wind blew another load into the back garden, it’s time to face up to the job at hand right now. Get rid of any dead and/or rotting pant material, and make sure that bacteria, fungal spores and lurking insects are removed from anywhere they can make a nuisance of themselves.

The right place to plant
Before you plant that lovely shrub or sow the seeds for a burst of colourful blooms, read the instructions. Making sure that your new plants have the sunlight, air and water they need is imperative if you want your garden to thrive, and it only takes a small miscalculation in the amount of light a plant needs and you could end up with a disappointing result.

If you’re not sure where and when to plant, speak to a professional garden landscaper.

Water management
You want to be watering your plants where they need it at the roots, not just soaking the whole thing in the hope that the water will drip down. It’s not a good idea to water the leaves too much because wet foliage can leave the plant open to diseases and pests. Try to keep plants evenly moistened, don’t over water them and then leave them for ages in between waters, as this can lead to uneven growth.

Get the right season and temperature
Some like it hot – like tomatoes, but others like cabbages and lettuce need to be kept a bit cooler. Plant your cool season plants earlier in the year while the soil and air are still relatively cool and they are more likely to flourish – you can leave your heat loving crops until a bit later on.

Build your soil
Biologically active soil supports healthy plants, and by integrating compost and mulch (healthy of course) into the soil, you also feed the micro-organisms that change it into the nutrients that will feed your plants. Compost and organic fertilisers are great sources of dead plant material, as is garden mulch placed on top of the soil around your plants.

Look after the critters
Supporting the ‘good’ insects and birds which eat the pests that feed on your garden is an eco-friendly way of keeping pests away. Nurture the lady bugs and lacewings, and make sure you feed the garden birds - many birds are insectivorous and helpfully eat insect pests for you.

For more tips and advice on making the most of your garden, contact John Lessels Landscaping.