Preparing Your Garden for Spring & Summer

Spring is finally here, and as the winter chill fades away, it's time to revitalise your garden and outdoor space to enjoy in the warmer months ahead. Preparing your garden for spring and summer not only ensures a beautiful and vibrant outdoor area but also sets the stage for a season of enjoyment and relaxation, hopefully in the sun! Here, we'll look at what you need to know to get your garden ready for the upcoming seasons.

Mowing the Lawn

Maintaining a well-groomed lawn is the cornerstone of a beautiful garden. However, it's important not to overdo it, especially as the grass begins to grow vigorously in the spring. Once you start mowing your lawn again in spring, don’t cut the grass too short straight away. Instead aim to trim it gradually, cutting no more than a third off the length at a time, allowing it to thrive and develop a healthy root system.

Weeding

Weeds can quickly overrun a garden if left unchecked, competing with your plants for nutrients and sunlight. Take the time to weed your garden regularly, removing unwanted plants by hand or using appropriate tools. Mulching can also help suppress weed growth while nourishing the soil. You can also use chemical weedkillers, but be sure to use lawn-safe products that don’t also harm the grass if the weeds are in your lawn.

Cleaning the Patio

A clean and tidy patio can transform your outdoor space, providing a welcoming area for relaxation and entertainment. Sweep away debris, scrub any stains or mildew, treat weeds with an appropriate weedkiller and consider pressure washing for a deeper clean. Don't forget to inspect and clean any outdoor furniture to ensure it's ready for use.

Inspecting Fences and Woodwork

Winter weather can take a toll on fences and exterior woodwork, leading to damage and decay. Inspect your fences, gates, and wooden structures for signs of wear and tear, such as rot or loose boards. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and prolong the lifespan of your outdoor features. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to apply treatments such as wood preservatives or sealants to protect your outdoor structures against the elements for another year.

Consider Upgrading Your Patio or Add Some Decking

If your outdoor space is in need of a refresh, consider investing in upgrades that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. You could consider installing new decking or a second patio to serve as an outdoor lounge area or you could upgrade your existing patio by replacing the existing slabs with some natural stone, or adding some outdoor lighting or a fire pit.

Enhancing with Planters or Raised Borders

Adding planters and raised borders is an excellent way to introduce visual interest and diversity to your garden. Experiment with different plant combinations and arrangements to create focal points and define separate areas within your outdoor space. Raised beds also provide better drainage and can help protect plants from pests and diseases. 

Attracting Wildlife

Encouraging biodiversity in your garden not only adds to its beauty but also contributes to the health of the ecosystem. Plant native species, provide food sources such as bird feeders or nectar-rich flowers, and create shelter with features like birdhouses or insect hotels to attract a variety of wildlife.

Seasonal Planting

Take advantage of the spring planting season to introduce new additions to your garden. Select plants that thrive in the warmer weather, such as colourful annuals, fragrant herbs, or heat-tolerant vegetables. Consider incorporating a mix of flowers, foliage, and edibles for a diverse garden.

Watering

While it’s hard to imagine needing to water the garden in the UK, we can get dry spells in the spring and summer. Proper watering is crucial for the health and vitality of your plants, especially during the hot summer months. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth, and water in the early morning or late evening to minimise evaporation.

Mulching

Mulching offers many benefits for your garden, such as conserving moisture, suppressing weeds, and insulating plant roots from temperature fluctuations. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, around your plants, taking care not to mound it against the stems or trunks.

Creating a Maintenance Schedule

Once your garden is in top shape, it's essential to establish a regular maintenance routine to keep it looking its best throughout the spring and summer months. Schedule tasks such as watering, weeding, and fertilising, taking into account the specific needs of your plants and the local climate.

As you prepare your garden for spring and summer, remember that a little effort now will pay off with a season of enjoyment in a beautiful outdoor space. If you need to stock up on any supplies from this list, whether it is timber, wood preserves, paving cleaners, bark or patio materials, come down to our Crediton yard to see our selection!