Spring is a time for renewal, as the dark days bid farewell and we get to see more sunshine. It’s also when your garden begins to throw off the shackles of winter and return to its former glory. However, you’ll need to give it a helping hand along the way.

In this post, we’ll outline some practical tips so that you – and your garden – can enjoy a seamless transition into spring.

Step 1: Check for damage

Snow and storms can damage your garden, so checking for damage is your first priority. Walk around your garden and assess the condition of your plants, structures and soil. The most important things to check for include:

Damaged and dead plants
Signs of soil waterlogging and compaction
Broken branches
Damage to hardscaping elements, like fences and pathways

Most of this damage will be easy to clean up and repair, but understanding the issues your garden is facing can help you make a plan of action.

Step 2: Tidy the outdoor space

Winter debris can accumulate and prevent your plants from regrowing correctly. Cleaning it away can help you assess the damage further and see which plants or other landscaping elements might need replacing.

Debris and Leaves: Clear up any twigs, debris, and fallen leaves from the garden. This ensures sunlight can reach your soil and prevents mould from developing.
Prune Your Plants: Trim your perennials and prune the flowers to remove dead stems and ensure they grow back stronger.
Cut Back Branches: You’ll also need to cut back any damaged branches to encourage healthy regrowth.
Weed Control: We know, we know; nobody likes weed control. Unfortunately, it’s vital for ensuring your plants grow and creating a beautiful outdoor space.

Step 3: Address the soil

The winter months can wreak havoc on your soil, depleting essential nutrients and causing compaction issues. You should think of soil as the foundation for your plants to grow.

If these foundations aren’t strong, it will impact your plants’ health and growth potential. Here are some essential steps for ensuring soil health:

Aeration: Aeration loosens compacted soil, ensuring water and air can penetrate it. You can use a specialist aerator tool or a garden fork.
Organic Matter: To inject nutrients into the soil, add a new layer of manure or compost. You should also mulch around the plants and use organic fertilisers.
Assess Soil pH: The optimal soil pH depends on your plant types. Some thrive in alkaline conditions, while others prefer acidic soil. You can test your soil’s pH to determine the right levels for your garden.

Step 4: Get the lawn ready

The lawn also suffers during winter, and you’ll want to prepare it for spring. Getting rid of dead leaves and grass enhances air circulation, but you should also aerate any compacted areas.

If there are patchy areas of grass, you can reseed them. Use a quality mix here, and remember to water the grass regularly. If your lawn has definitely seen better days, it might be best to apply a new lawn with organic fertiliser to ensure long-term health.

Step 5: Repair garden structures

With the UK witnessing more storms during the autumn and winter months, damage to the fences, garden furniture and trellises can occur. While some items might need replacing, you can also repair worn structures, which will save money.

Painting or staining garden fences and sheds breathes life into them while also protecting them against rot. Cleaning patios of moss and algae enhances your garden’s aesthetic appeal.

It’s also essential to check whether supporting structures like trellises have any loose screws before planting new flowers.

Step 6: Plan your spring garden

Spring is the perfect time to revive your garden and plant some new flowers. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading your outdoor space with the latest gardening trends or want to enjoy a whole new lifestyle by growing your own food, there are plenty of ways to create a stunning haven, including:

Planting Spring Flowers: Spring flowers are ideal for injecting colour into your outdoor space, and some options bloom earlier than others. Primroses and daffodils are ideal for this.
Herbs & Vegetables: Certain herbs and vegetables, including leafy greens and root vegetables, will also grow early. If you’re interested in growing herbs, you might want to start with rosemary, parsley, and chives.
Shrubs & Perennials: The best thing about shrubs and perennials is that they grow back each year, saving you time and money.

Step 7: Protect your garden

When you spend a lot of time refreshing and repairing your garden from winter, it’s important to take steps to ensure it requires minimal maintenance in the future.

Climate change means that the spring months can also be unpredictable, and taking steps to protect the garden will save you some effort in the future.

Future-proof against pests

The warmer temperatures mean we all spend longer days outdoors, including pests. Taking preventative measures early on means you can avoid dealing with the same problem each spring.

Encouraging natural predators, such as birds and ladybirds, will reduce the risks of slugs, while companion planting can also deter unwanted insects.

Using organic pest control is also a good idea, but natural measures might be enough to deter unwanted visitors.

Care for your outdoor space

Prevention is always better than the cure, and caring for your garden can reduce the need for expensive repairs in the future.

Taking the time to water your plants regularly and using natural fertilisers will keep them healthy while removing weeds will prevent unwanted growth.

Taking the time to monitor your garden for issues and fixing them immediately can also prevent more work during spring.

Final thoughts

Getting your garden ready for spring means you can enjoy everything the warmer weather offers. Whether it’s barbecues, letting the kids play outside or topping up your tan, a little preparation is all you’ll need.

If you’re considering revitalising your garden, a professional design service can help bring your vision to life. Please get in touch with our specialists today.