With spring starting to get into full swing, now is the perfect time to get outside and give your garden a little TLC. If your schedule is looking busy in the weeks ahead, prioritise these five essential gardening jobs to keep your outdoor space looking its best.
1. Get Planting
Spring is the season of new beginnings, so make the most of it by sowing seeds of your favourite flowers. Sunflowers, sweet peas, and cosmos are great choices for a burst of colour later in the year. It’s also a good time to plant new trees, shrubs, and perennials – getting them in the ground now will give them plenty of time to establish strong roots before the summer.
2. Time for a Chop
Spring-flowering shrubs, such as flowering currant (Ribes) and Forsythia, will have finished their dazzling displays by now. To keep them healthy and encourage new growth, prune the flowered stems back to the nearest strong shoot. Using sharp secateurs ensures a clean cut, which helps the plant heal faster and reduces the risk of infection and disease.
3. Think Veg
If you’re dreaming of homegrown produce, now is the time to act. Prepare a sunny patch in your garden for tasty crops. Whether you sow seeds directly into the soil, buy in young plants, or start tender crops like squash on your windowsill, a little effort now will reward you with delicious homegrown vegetables in the months ahead.
4. Love Your Indoor Jungle
Houseplants need some attention, too! Give them a boost by repotting where necessary or adding a fresh layer of topsoil. Trim any faded or leggy growth to keep them looking their best. For an extra touch, add a layer of hydroleca granules to the soil surface – this helps create a microclimate that retains moisture and supports healthy plant growth.
5. Feed the Birds
Wild birds are busy nesting and caring for their young at this time of year, so keep those feeders well stocked. Providing high-energy, nutritious food will help them thrive and keep your garden filled with beautiful birdsong.
By tackling these five tasks now, you’ll set your garden up for a fantastic growing season. Need supplies or expert advice? Visit us at Birchgrove Garden Centre – we’re here to help you make the most of your outdoor space!