IT has been a long, cold winter but signs of warmer weather are starting to appear now we’re in March.
Gardening experts say now is a good time to turn to your outdoor spaces for a spring clean.
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Experts say it’s the ideal time to spring clean your yardCredit: Westend61
Edward shares his top tips, alongside other pros
Edward Lee, from Ryobi UK, says: “Giving outdoor spaces a quick spring reset now means you’ll have a more enjoyable garden for the months ahead.”
Along with other green-fingered gurus, Edward shares his top tips for a blooming great garden.
CLEAR UP
IT’S always good to start getting ready for the upcoming season with a pre-spring clear up.
Edward says: “Clear away dead leaves, debris, fallen branches and any winter damage. Tidying the base of beds and borders helps plants access light and nutrients.”
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But before trimming hedges or clearing spaces, check for early nesting birds or emerging hedgehogs.”
And clearing your yard also has the benefit of making it look bigger, according to another garden guru.
Laura Rich, Creative Lead at Furniturebox, says: “Any disorganised, unused, broken, or unnecessary items are often the culprit for obstructing space. Decluttering your garden is a simple, easy task to maximise space.”
SHAPE UP
LATE winter into early spring is the perfect time to reshape evergreen hedges and tidy boundaries.
Meanwhile, the experts say early spring pruning helps stimulate strong new growth on roses, fruit plants and shrubs that flower on new wood.
Edward added: “Cold snaps can leave shrubs, hedges and perennials looking sparse. Trim away frost-damaged stems and lightly feed tired plants to help them bounce back as temperatures rise.
“Spring is also the time to tidy edges, clear overhanging branches and open up sightlines, helping smaller gardens feel more spacious. Setting structure now means easier maintenance throughout the year.”
But before trimming hedges or clearing spaces, check for early nesting birds or emerging hedgehogs.”
NEAT SEAT
EXPERTS say it’s vital to prep your seats and tables.
Magdalena Gierasinska, from Barker and Stonehouse, said: “It’s the perfect time to give your garden furniture a thorough clean, before the weather truly warms up and you start using it daily.
“A deep clean with soapy water or specialist cleaner takes just an hour or two but will prevent mould, mildew, and dirt buildup, keeping your furniture looking its best all season.
“If you’re working with teak, invest in a proper cleaner once or twice a year to tackle built-up grime. Metal furniture benefits from a wipe down with a damp cloth and rust treatment for problem spots.”
MOSS LOSS
AFTER a harsh winter many will have noticed moss taking over.
Simon Akeroyd, Head of Estates and Landscapes at Painshill Park Trust, says: “If moss has taken hold of your lawn over winter, the first step is using an iron sulphate-based moss treatment.
“This powerful yet effective solution works by rapidly dehydrating and killing off moss, turning it a dark black colour within hours.
“Applying iron sulphate not only eliminates stubborn moss but also helps strengthen grass roots, enhances the lawn’s natural green colour and can even deter certain lawn pests.
“For best results, apply the treatment during a dry day but when the soil is still moist, usually in early spring.”
LAWN AND ORDER
MANY of us will have noticed bare patches in our grass after the cold, harsh winter.
It’s time to start paying attention to the lawn
Simon Akeroyd suggests: “This is the perfect time to overseed, scattering grass seed over these areas to encourage lush, healthy regrowth. Finish by watering well and keeping off the grass until new shoots establish.”
He added: “A slow-release lawn feed is ideal for steady, long-lasting nourishment without sudden growth spurts. It’s best to apply your fertiliser on a mild, dry day when the soil is moist, as this allows nutrients to be absorbed effectively.
“By feeding your lawn early, you create the perfect conditions for healthy, dense grass – leaving no room for moss to return.”
BLOOMING LOVELY
WITH the weather beginning to turn, it’s also time to start planting.
Emma Fell, Head of Horticulture at Hillier Garden Centres and Nurseries, said: “Spring is the perfect time to start adding vibrant colour to your garden.
“Cyclamen, known for its delicate buds and pretty hues, is a versatile choice. They do best when planted in shaded spots under trees, high-branched shrubs, rock gardens, or along the edges of borders.
“Meanwhile, primroses are another excellent option. These native British wildflowers are easy to grow and come in a variety of colours. Whether scattered among borders or planted in pots, primroses can transform your garden into a stunning tapestry of colour.”
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