Spring has sprung, and it’s time to get your hands dirty! After winter’s long hibernation, there’s nothing quite like the feel of soil under your fingernails and the sight of new growth bursting from every corner.
But with great blooms comes great responsibility – whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, here are 10 essential garden chores that’ll ensure your yard is in tip-top shape all season long. From weeding to watering and everything in between, let’s roll up our sleeves and make this spring one for the books!
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Preparing the Soil
No matter what you’re planting, it all starts with preparing the soil. This can be as simple as using a hoe to break up any clumps and turn over the top layer of dirt. If you’re starting from scratch, you may need to do some more work to get the soil ready for planting but remember to avoid doing this if the soil is very wet, as it can it very clumpy.
- If your garden is in an area that doesn’t get a lot of sun, you may need to add some organic matter to the soil to help the plants grow. You can do this by adding compost or manure to the soil.
- If the soil is too sandy, you may need to add some peat moss to help it retain water.
- And if the soil is too clay-like, you may need to add some sand to help with drainage.
Once you’ve prepared the soil, it’s time to start planting!
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Raking and Weeding
As the weather warms up, it’s time to start thinking about all of the gardening chores that need to be done in order to have a healthy and beautiful garden. One of the first things on the list is raking and weeding.
Raking helps to loosen up the soil so that air and water can reach the roots of your plants. It also clears away any dead leaves or debris that may have accumulated over the winter.
Weeding, on the other hand, is important for getting rid of unwanted plants that may crowd out your other garden plants.
Both raking and weeding can be tedious tasks, but they are essential for having a healthy garden. So get out there and get started!
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Planting New Flowers and Vegetables
If you’re anything like me, you can’t wait to get outside and start planting as soon as the weather warms up. Spring is the perfect time to add new flowers and vegetables to your garden.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
– Choose the right location for your plants. When selecting a spot for your new plants, make sure to consider things like sunlight, drainage, and soil type.
– Prepare the soil before planting. Once you’ve selected a spot for your new plants, it’s very important to prepare the soil before planting because if this isn’t done, the plants won’t get a good root growth which means poor health or disease.
So preparing the soil would include things like removing any weeds or debris, small stones and loosening up the soil with a shovel or rake.
– Plant at the right time of year. Make sure to check the seed packet or plant tag for information on when the best time to plant is. This will vary depending on what you’re planting.
– Water regularly and fertilise as needed. Once your plants are in the ground, it’s important to water them regularly (usually every 1-2 days). You may also need to fertilize them from time to time, depending on what kind of plants they are and what type of soil they’re growing in.
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Pruning Trees and Shrubs
Pruning is an important step in keeping your trees and shrubs healthy. It helps to remove dead or diseased branches, and also shapes the plant so that it looks more attractive. The best time to prune most trees and shrubs is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
How to prune:
When starting to prune it can be tricky, but you are aiming to remove some of the growth on the outside to allow light and air into the middle of the tree or shrub. So thin out crowded branches to increase air circulation and allow light to reach the centre of the plant. Make these cuts about 1/4 inch above a bud or node.
Next, by removing any dead, broken, or diseased branches. Cut these back to where they meet a healthy branch or trunk.
Finally, shape the plant by trimming back any straggly branches. Be sure to make cuts at a 45-degree angle, just above a bud or node (the point where the shoots or branch starts).
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Adding Mulch to Prevent Weed Growth
Mulch is a layer of material placed on the surface of soil. Mulch can be made from organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, bark, and wood chips or inorganic materials such as stones, plastic, and cardboard. Applying mulch to your garden beds has many benefits, including reduced weed growth.
Weeds are plant species that compete with desired plants for water, light, and nutrients. They can quickly choke out young seedlings and steal precious resources from established plants. An effective way to prevent weed growth is to smother them with a layer of mulch. By doing this, you deny weeds the sunlight they need to photosynthesize and grow.
When choosing a mulch for your garden, make sure to select one that is appropriate for the type of plants you are growing. For example, cedar chips are excellent at deterring weeds but can be harmful to certain types of plants. Stones and gravel are good options for areas where you do not want any plant growth whatsoever.
If you do not have any mulch it is available to buy – just ask your local garden centre or seek out a friendly horse owner and offer to collect the well-rotted horse poo and straw – this work wonders for your garden.
Apply mulch around the base of plants, taking care not to pile it too thickly against the stem or trunk. A 2-3 inch layer is typically sufficient. Be sure to replenish your mulch every few months as it will decompose over time.
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Replacing Dead Plants or Seedlings
When you notice a dead plant or seedling in your garden, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can attract pests and diseases that could spread to other plants.
To replace a dead plant or seedling, simply dig up the remains of the plant and dispose of them. Then, replant a new seedling or plant in the same location. Water the new plant thoroughly, and make sure to keep an eye on it to ensure that it doesn’t succumb to the same fate as its predecessor.
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Controlling Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can wreak havoc on your garden, so it’s important to stay on top of them. Here are some tips for keeping your garden healthy and pest-free:
– Inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests or disease. Check under leaves for pests like aphids or whiteflies, and look for fungal diseases like powdery mildew or black spot.
– If you see any signs of pests or disease, take action immediately. Remove affected leaves or stems, and treat the plant with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
– Prevention is key! Take steps to keep your garden healthy, such as using mulch to prevent fungus from spreading and planting resistant varieties of plants.
– Combinations of plants – so you can use combinations of plants, such as marigolds and tomatoes to control the white fly, but if uncertain then please get in touch, as CATHERINE will be only too happy to advise.
By following these tips, you can keep your garden looking its best all season long.
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Properly Watering Your Garden
If you want a healthy garden, you need to give your plants the water they need. But how much water do they need, and when should you water them?
Here are some tips for properly watering your garden:
Water early in the day. Watering in the morning allows the sun to evaporate any water that’s left on the leaves, which can help prevent disease.
Water at the base of the plant. Watering at the base of the plant helps prevent evaporation and ensures that the roots get soaked.
Don’t over-water. Over-watering can actually harm your plants by drowning their roots or encouraging fungal growth which will kill your plant
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Applying Fertilisers
Before applying any fertiliser, it’s important to have a soil test done in order to know which nutrients your garden is lacking. Once you know what needs to be added, you can select the appropriate fertilizer and apply it according to the package directions.
Organic options like compost or manure are always a great choice for garden beds, as they improve soil structure and provide nutrients over time. However, they need to be applied more frequently than chemical fertilisers.
Chemical fertilisers are quick-acting and deliver a concentrated dose of nutrients that can help plants recover from winter damage or give them a boost during periods of rapid growth. However, they can also burn plants if not used correctly, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
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Sit back and enjoy the garden…
The last step is to ensure you have a garden that you can enjoy.
Now is the perfect time to spruce up your greenhouse, should you possess one. Give it some TLC ahead of the coming season by cleaning the exterior with a disinfectant or soap – this will enable more light to shine through during the warmer months. Don’t forget to focus on the inside as well – erase any likely places where pests and disease may have endured in tiny crevices.
You can draw in wildlife by setting up bird feeders and bird houses, as well as a water bath. In spring avoid feeding the birds nuts, as this could harm the baby birds.
Give your outdoor space a bit of interest with wind chimes, an outdoor swing, a trellis, or by painting the fence.
To prepare your garden furniture for your summer BBQ, make sure to wipe down all tables, chairs and benches. This simple task will ensure that your guests are able to enjoy their time with you in the sunshine!
You can spruce up your outdoor setting with lights, flags, and furniture to create a stylish look.
Conclusion
Take advantage of the outdoors and spend your time unwinding with a good read, dining al fresco, or coordinating a barbeque shindig – it’s going to be a great spring and summer!