Early spring Garden Tasks
As we bid adieu to winter’s chill, the start of Spring invites us to roll up our sleeves and dive into the tasks that come with the changing season. With each passing day, the sun shines a bit brighter, offering the perfect conditions for getting back to work in the garden.
From preparing soil beds to planting seeds, from pruning shrubs to tidying up neglected areas, there’s plenty to keep us busy as the garden comes back to life.
With the days growing longer and the promise of new growth just around the corner, here’s a checklist of 10 garden tasks to consider for the season ahead.
1. Planning
Plan out your garden layout for the upcoming season. Sketching a rough plan can help you visualise the arrangement of your beds, pathways, and focal points within your garden space.
With the promise of warmer days ahead, now is the time to stock up on seeds, bulbs, and young plants for spring planting. With your supplies in hand, you’ll be well-prepared to kick off the growing season with enthusiasm and anticipation.
2. Pruning
Prune your fruit trees and shrubs before new growth begins, cutting back any dead or damaged branches.
Prune your summer-flowering shrubs, such as roses, hydrangeas and buddleia to encourage strong new growth.
Prune your raspberry canes. For autumn-fruiting varieties, prune them down to the base to encourage new shoot growth. If you’re dealing with summer-fruiting varieties, trim the tips just above a bud and securely tie them in place.
3. Prepare your soil
Begin preparing your garden beds and planters for the season ahead, by removing weeds and turning over the soil. We recommend adding compost or organic matter to enrich your soil. You can also work in a general-purpose fertiliser, such as pelleted chicken manure, or fish, blood and bone.
4. Planting
Plant hardy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale, peas, and broccoli.
Plantings of early potato varieties can be made during March; however, main crop varieties are best planted in April.
Sow flower seeds such as sweet peas, pansies, and calendula.
Plant bare-root roses, trees, and shrubs while they are still dormant.
Plant summer-flowering bulbs such as gladioli, freesias and lilies. Place the bulb upright, at a depth of three times its height, then cover over and water in.
5. Fertilising
Apply a slow-release fertiliser to your perennial plants as they start to re-awaken. Be sure to avoid fertilising plants that are still dormant!
6. weeding
Stay on top of early spring weeds, as it’s easier to control weeds if you remove them while they’re still young.
Use mulch to suppress weed growth and retain soil moisture.
Keep an eye out for slugs as the weather warms. Pay special attention to soft, new growth, which slugs love.
7. Lawn Care
Start mowing the lawn as needed on a dry day, setting your blades higher than usual.
Aim to remove no more than one-third of the grass blade’s height with each mowing session to promote healthy root development and lush, resilient turf.
8. Tool Maintenance & Cleaning
Clean and sharpen your gardening tools, including pruners, shears, and shovels.
Check your irrigation systems and repair any leaks or damage.
Winter may have encouraged lichen and slippery conditions within your outdoor spaces. On a dry, bright day, pressure wash all decking and paths.
If using chemicals, ensure the water doesn’t harm surrounding plants or wildlife.
9. Harvesting
Harvest any remaining winter crops such as carrots, leeks, purple sprouting broccoli, spring cabbage and Brussels sprouts.
Enjoy the first harvests of lettuces and salads grown under cover.
10. Tidy & divide
In March, you can tidy up perennials and cut them back before the new growth gets too advanced.
Dividing perennials regularly will also ensure healthy, vigorous plants that will continue to perform year after year.
Explore our Garden Centre
With over 40 years’ experience of growing and selling plants, a visit to Priory Farm Garden Centre is the perfect choice for any gardener.