Spruce up your garden for summer with these handy hints. Spring is the perfect time to clean up your plants, garden beds and alfresco entertaining areas after the long, cold winter and get them in shape for summer.
• Many weeds thrive in the warm spring sunshine so get rid of any early ones straightaway. Pull them out at the root or keep them at bay with an organic herbicide.
• Prune any dead flower heads, leaves, stems or stalks from perennials to allow for new growth and take out any old or dead plants. Just remember to hold back on pruning plants that flower in spring, such as roses.
• Remove winter mulch so the soil can warm up, then prepare the soil for planting by mixing it with plenty of good organic matter or compost and covering it with a fresh batch of mulch.
• You should always re-pot plants that have outgrown their pots or have been in the same one for a while. Use fresh potting mix for this as well as a soil wetting agent, which will keep them moist throughout summer.
• Spring is the ideal time to plant new trees and shrubs but remember to give the soil time to warm up first. Check your local nursery for varieties that suit both your lifestyle and your area’s climate. If you’re looking to brighten your garden quickly, introduce some colourful potted annuals.
• This is also the season to start growing your own fruits and vegies, even if it’s just some herbs in a window box. Planting seeds or seedlings continuously every six weeks will ensure a constant supply – try summer favourites such as tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, parsley, basil and strawberries.
• Spread an even layer of mulch over garden beds, about 5cm deep, and sprinkle a layer of it around any new plants you’ve put in the ground; this improves soil quality, reduces weeds, keeps plants healthy and saves on water. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for pests too!
• Spring’s a good time to give your garden a hearty dose of slow-release fertiliser such as blood and bone or chicken manure; it’s best to do this after rain when the soil is damp. Spread it over the ground and watch your plants thrive as the weather warms up.
• Get your lawn looking good for summer with a few simple steps. Begin by aerating the ground with a garden fork and raking to remove any dead grass, then fertilise and water the soil in any bare spots and sprinkle grass seed over them. As a finishing touch, create a short trench between the lawn and borders using an edger for a neat, tidy look. For larger gardens, consider lining beds with pavers, bricks or stones.
• Spring also means alfresco entertaining is back on the agenda, so it’s important to give your outdoor furniture a quick spring-clean. Timber pieces may need to be repainted or oiled, with chairs cleaned or given new covers. You should also make sure your barbecue and paved areas are clean and ready to use.
With a little time and effort in spring you’ll be able to make the most of your garden in summer!
Story by Lauren Broomham