We noticed the sun was out for a few hours the other day…
So taken aback were we, that we started thinking about our own gardens and how spring is remarkably close. Despite the recent frost and temperatures, now is the time to start preparing for the busiest gardening season of them all, beloved spring…
Clearing up
Nobody enjoys the clean up process, sorting out the mess that winter has left our gardens in, but it needs to be done. Discard any leaves and debris from lawns and beds and trim dead growth across grasses and perennials. If you chance to start your work on a mild day and you can get into the soil, try and dig a shallow organic layer of mulch or compost to freshen the nutrients for April.
If you have a greenhouse, get the scrubbing brush and window cleaner out to make sure that you’re giving those plants a fighting chance. Again discard the debris and get the disinfectant out to clear pests and disease, particularly on the inside of the glass, and any corners or gutters. Make sure you ventilate properly so that it dries and the fumes disperse.
Go on the rampage
Catch those pests unaware. Many will be hibernating, and if you can hunt them down now you will save yourself lots of trouble in the warmer month. Check perennials for snoozing snails and slugs, not to mention aphids taking shelter. Last year’s summer bedding may be hiding larvae, which often feed on roots and can be destructive when the weather warms up.
We mentioned this in a recent post, but get some water butts going too. The slight acidity in rainwater is far, far preferable to the slight alkalinity in tap water – for almost all plants. Plus, it’s good for your bank account and great for the environment. No brainer, really…
Cleaning and fixing
Your tools are looking really disgruntled after a winter in the shed, probably still caked in last September’s soil. Scrape frozen and coagulated whatever off of them, and give them a good treat and sharpen to keep them fighting fit for the long run. A well-maintained garden tool can last a lifetime, so it’s worth investing an hour a year into them. Clean, disinfect, rinse and dry to avoid the spread of any disease or bacteria – remember that you’re likely to be creating wounds in your flowers and plants with these tools, and any bacteria can sneak in that way.
Your fences, gates and trellis aren’t looking too smart either. Wrap up warm and get out to give them a good once-over. Anything that needs repairing or replacing should be done now, so that you’ve got time in the soil when the weather warms up. Nothing is worse than coming to your climbers and finding a broken trellis to deal with before you can do anything else. Any wooden structures need treating now, provided there’s the off-chance of a dry few days…
Eden Restored is a team of passionate garden designers working throughout London, Kent and Surrey.
We deliver value-for-money on projects of any size, from inner-city courtyards to countryside cottages.
To discuss your ideas and how we can help throughout the entire process, get in touch.