Just 2 weeks until the Easter break, and we have a list of Easter jobs to complete. Perhaps you have a ‘to do list’ which includes gardening.
At present we are advising customers to be careful in the garden, the ground is so wet even stepping on the grass can damage the soil structure below. Where possible avoid treading on soil or grass until it has had a chance, weather permitting, to dry out more.
The first cut
Many people have already cut their lawns once this year. Hopefully they will have raised the blades to just take the extra long shoots away leaving the majority to get growing. If your lawn is too boggy to risk a cut, but you want to tidy up, neaten your flower bed edges with edging shears. Use a plank to stand on, to distribute your weight and stop you sinking in the mud.
Flowers, fruits and vegetables.
Traditionally Easter is the time to get planting, but once again with such cold, wet soil, any small plants or seeds will struggle to get established. If you can start seeds in pots either inside or out, or have covered growing areas such as cold frames or a greenhouse, it will give your precious seedlings a better start.
Digging and soil improvement.
You may want to add organic matter such as leaf mold or compost to improve your soil. This is a great idea, but rake or hoe it in rather than digging.
If possible avoid digging until the soil is drier. Digging in these conditions can damage rather than improve soil. Where you tread will compact the earth and piles of wet soil will clump making it more difficult for worms and other soil dwellers to create air and micro drainage. Digging wet soil can result in personal injury. The amount on the spade may look the same, but it can weigh up to twice as much as ‘normal’!
If your Easter Jobs list for the garden seems too long, contact Chopwell our friendly professional team can help with all aspects of garden maintenance. We look forward to helping you make your garden a place to enjoy.
