The spring sunshine is amazing at the moment! Everything seems so much more positive when we can get out and enjoy the sun. I love this time of year when every tree and plant is breaking into leaf or flower.
It is very tempting to plant out lots of frost tender plants as the weather is so nice. This spring sunshine is deceptive. It leads onto very cold nights with the air temperature plunging towards zero and frost when we wake up. This is why many spring flowers have ugly brown frost patches, so hang fire on the tender plants or make sure they are covered up or indoors at night.
Spring Jobs for the garden
We may not be able to get the tender plants and seeds in the ground yet, but there is still plenty to do to make your garden even more beautiful. Here are some ideas that range from the strenuous to the casual
- Dig over the beds you plan to plant with summer flowers and vegetables. Remove weeds and dig in compost to improve the soil
- Clean or jet wash hard landscaping, patios, paths and decks. Remove any moss or lichen from them to get them ready for the summer
- Scarify and feed your lawn. Remove the moss so the grass can grow, reseed any bare patches. Keep any seeded areas watered.
- Re-define the edges of flower beds. The grass may be starting to stray into the bed, a clean edge makes all the difference and makes it easier to weed the bed as well.
- Plant seeds in small pots and trays that you can start growing on windowsills, cold frames or greenhouse.
- Cut back any old stalks and seed heads from last year. The birds and insects will have enjoyed them during the winter and are now looking elsewhere for food and cover.
- Take photos of your spring bulbs so you can remember where they are and where gaps are to fill with new bulbs in the autumn.
If your idea of enjoying this spring sunshine is relaxing in a comfy chair with a glass of something, contact Chopwell and we can take the stress away from managing your garden.
