Spring is a wonderful time of year, full of rejuvenation and joy. It is the perfect opportunity for your garden to flourish, with the right preparation.
So, in order to make your garden spring ready, here are our top tips on spring lawn maintenance from the team at Hughie Willett Machinery…
Garden TLC
The first step in our spring-cleaning master plan is to give your garden some care and attention, especially after the autumn/winter months. It might feel like you are forever cleaning your garden, but it is important to stay on top of it to give both your lawn and plants the chance they need to flourish.
Now is the time to clear away any fallen leaves and branches, or any dead stalks that may have overwintered in your garden. Clearing these away will prevent the development and spread of bacteria, which can infect plants and burgeoning bulbs.
Note: just keep in mind that these cold winter months are essential to wildlife, which may be hibernating in your garden. If you suspect that a pile of leaves is home to a little critter, it is best to leave them alone until early spring when they will naturally emerge from their winter homes.
Use this time to get rid of those pesky weeds (with some high-quality Weed Killer and Herbicides), as they will siphon away those precious nutrients from the surrounding plant life. Make sure you pull out the roots, as weeds will bounce back all too quickly if not properly disposed of.
Lastly, don’t forget about your plants. Give your plant life, and pots, a thorough check to make sure they aren’t harbouring any harmful pests. These will devour your plants before they have a chance to flourish in the spring. Some species can be simply brushed off, whereas others will need specialist pest treatment.
Prepare your lawn
Over the cold winter months, your lawn may have become a bit dishevelled, as an influx of rain and wind gives it a beating. Environmental factors, like cold weather conditions, may cause your soil to become tough and compact; making it less susceptible to absorbing water, or allowing new grass stems to blossom. If that sounds right, it’s time for some spring lawn care.
To begin, get out your trusty rake and clear away any lingering debris, then it’s all steam ahead with aeration. This involves making small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots. You can use a garden fork or a lawn aerator.
This step revitalises the soil and encourages healthy root growth. If your lawn has developed any bald patches, now is the time to reseed. To do this, you will need to choose a grass seed variety that matches your existing lawn, then lightly rake the seeds into the soil and water them regularly to keep the soil moist and promote growth.
For more information about seeding your lawn, learn What to Look for When Buying Grass Seed with our guide.
Finish by applying a Lawn Fertiliser to promote strong, healthy growth. Choose a fertiliser that’s appropriate for your lawn’s needs. For instance, there are different formulations for new lawns versus established ones, which will give your grass the nutrients it needs to thrive as the weather warms up.
A little care and attention now will result in a lush, green lawn that’s the envy of your neighbours come summer.
Start composting
Wondering what to do with all that organic matter you’ve collected from your garden? Turn it into compost. Composting is a fantastic way to recycle your dead and decaying plant matter, and reuse it to nourish your garden.
If you already have a compost pile on the go, start by turning it over. Those long winter months will have worked that bottom layer into an excellent mulch, ready to be spread around your flower bed.
To start composting, choose a spot in your garden for a compost bin or pile. Layer green waste (like vegetable peelings, grass clippings, and coffee grounds) with brown waste (such as dead leaves, cardboard, and straw). This balance of nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich materials is essential for effective decomposition. Keep your compost pile moist, but not waterlogged, and turn it regularly to keep it oxygenated, speeding up the process.
If you notice your compost pile is too dry, add more green waste or a bit of water. If it’s too wet and smelly, add more brown waste to balance it out. Over time, this organic matter will break down into rich, dark compost that can be used to improve soil structure, boost nutrient levels, and increase water retention in your garden beds.
With a little patience and regular maintenance, you’ll have your own supply of “black gold” to keep your garden thriving.
Even those weeds can be repurposed into something useful. Create a weed pond to draw the nutrients out of pulled weeds that can then be used to fertilise the soil.
Choose your seeds
As the days get longer and warmer, it's time to start sowing your seeds. Let's run through our top choices of plants and vegetables to make your garden pop.
Marigolds are known for their bright, cheerful blooms that can deter pests. They flourish in sunny, well-drained spots. Sow the seeds directly into the soil, keeping them moist but not waterlogged. Once established, marigolds require very little maintenance other than regular watering and deadheading to promote continuous flowering, making them a top choice for the casual gardener.
Who doesn’t love a good sunflower? Sunflowers are not only stunning, but also attract beneficial insects like bees. Plant the seeds in a sunny location with rich soil. These towering beauties need space to grow, so plant them at least 45 cm apart. Water them regularly and provide support as they grow taller. Sunflowers are drought-tolerant once established, making them a low-maintenance addition to your garden.
For a stunning burst of colour, pick a zinnia. With their vibrant, daisy-like flowers, zinnias thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Sow the seeds thinly and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the area moist until the seedlings emerge. Zinnias are fast growers and will bloom throughout the summer if you keep them well-watered, and deadhead regularly to encourage new blooms.
If you fancy planting some vegetables, spring radishes are a good starting point. They mature quickly and can be harvested in just a few weeks. They thrive in cool, moist soil and need plenty of sunlight. Sow the seeds directly into the ground and keep them well-watered. Radishes are perfect for intercropping with slower-growing vegetables, making efficient use of garden space.
Beets are nutrient-dense vegetables that are easy to grow. They prefer rich, well-drained soil and full sun. Sow the seeds thinly and cover lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist and thin out the seedlings to ensure they have enough space to grow. Let the beets mature for a delicious root vegetable.
Basil is a popular herb that thrives in warm weather. Plant it in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil. Sow the seeds thinly and cover lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Basil is perfect for adding fresh flavour to a variety of dishes.
Protect your plants
Spring weather can be unpredictable, so shielding your young plants from the elements is a good idea.
Using a light duty protection fleece can help shield your plants from frost and wind. Carefully drape the fleece over your plants, making sure that delicate stems are not damaged, and secure it firmly to prevent it from blowing away. This simple step can make a big difference in keeping your plants safe from the harsh conditions of early spring.
If you have the space, a greenhouse is a fantastic way to extend your growing season and protect your plants from unpredictable weather. Situate it in a location that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day, and make sure it is well-ventilated to prevent overheating and allow for good air circulation.
Inside of a greenhouse, try to use raised beds or containers filled with high-quality potting mix. Plant your seeds or seedlings according to their specific needs, and water regularly. Monitoring temperature and humidity levels will help create optimal growing conditions.
If a greenhouse is too big for your garden, a cold frame is a simple and effective way to protect your plants from frost and extend your growing season. Select a sunny spot in your garden for the cold frame. Place it on the soil and fill it with a good-quality potting mix. Plant your seeds or seedlings inside the cold frame and cover them with a transparent lid or plastic sheet. The cold frame will trap heat and create a microclimate warmer than the surrounding environment. Ventilate on warm days to prevent overheating and allow for air circulation. Water regularly and monitor growth to ensure your plants are thriving.
As the weather warms, gradually remove the lid to acclimate the plants to the outside environment. Once they are strong enough, you can transplant them into your garden.
Springtime tool maintenance
Outside of preparing your lawn and potential plants for the change in seasons, when it comes to getting ready for spring you may also want to consider looking over all of your lawn care tools and equipment.
For instance, take some time to review any lawnmowers and strimmers to ensure all the parts are functional and ready for use. This includes cleaning any dust from less use over the winter months, oiling joints and moving parts, and resharpening or replacing blades and wire where necessary. Doing this before the season begins fully allows you to get straight to work, without any delays that could affect your efficiency.
Organising and reviewing your groundcare equipment now also allows you to purchase any replacements, or treat yourself to a new tool to make your life easier. Explore our wide range of Lawn Spreaders & Seeders, Scarifiers, and more here at Hughie Willett Machinery.
Get your garden spring-ready with Hughie Willett Machinery
Here at Hughie Willett Machinery, we stock all the equipment you need to get your garden ready for spring. With decades of experience providing high-quality groundcare equipment to gardeners and professional landscapers, we believe you should never compromise on quality.
Explore our range of garden & groundcare equipment, or get in touch with us for more personalised advice throughout the buying process.
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