Finally, after what has seemed like and extremely long and dismal winter, the sun has started to peek out from behind the clouds reminding us that it is almost spring. Hooray!
With people currently being urged to stay in their homes as much as possible, now is the perfect time to get into the garden and start clearing up and prepping it ready for spring to arrive.
Here are some of the jobs you can do in your garden right now, which you’ll be thankful for by the time spring and summer rock around.
Clear up
During the autumn and winter, leaves and branches fall, fences get blown over, plastic toys disintegrate and all manner of rubbish seems to collect in the garden. Grab some thick gardening gloves and a wheelbarrow or sturdy garden bin, and clear the debris.
If you have a dog, or cats regularly visit, it’s important to ensure that the garden is also clear of animal excrement as this can pose a safety risk if you have children playing init.
A good mow
The first thing after you’ve cleared up is to get out your lawnmower and have a jolly good mow. Honestly, it might look like a complete impenetrable mess to begin with, but you will probably be surprised at how good your lawn actually looks once it’s had a decent haircut!
Be prepared to start on the highest setting and go over it a few times to get rid of the winter growth. Don’t think you can get it all done in an hour!
Top tip: Do not attempt this in sandals, or canvas shoes as your feet or your shoes will be stained green!
If it’s a new garden and you aren’t sure what may lurk beneath, it is wise to invest in some safe footwear for in your garden before you take on the lawn clearance; waterproof rubber or neoprene boots such as those from engelbert strauss will keep your feet dry and safe.
Take stock of your furniture
There is nothing nicer than sitting in the garden, but if chairs have been left out over winter, or have been stored in a garage maybe, then it’s wise to take a look and check that they are all in a good state of repair.
Once you have taken stock of what you already have, and done a tip run with any of the winter’s worst casualties, make a note of what you need and look out for bargains while it’s still out of season.
Tool up
Like the furniture, make sure that your tools have survived the winter.
If you want to take it seriously, you’ll need a good pair of secateurs, a trowel and fork, some long-handled loppers or shears, a digging spade and fork for turning the soil over, a rake, a trug and/or a wheelbarrow.
A hedge trimmer is also a good purchase, as well as some suitable gloves, and protective wear for your eyes and feet.
Planting flowers
Now is the ideal time to take stock of your flower beds.
You might be able to see the spring bulbs already poking through the ground; this always lifts my spirits enormously.
Tidy up old growth from last year’s perennials and if there is new growth that can be divided, dig up and divide to stop it from getting congested.
If you are planting up new beds, make sure you de-weed first, and ensure that the ground has thawed before planting new perennials and summer bulbs such as gladioli, crocosmia, lilies and agapanthus outside. Summer bulbs are fab because you can pretty much forget about them and then when summer comes, you’ll have a riot of colour.
Bare rooted roses need to be planted ASAP and make sure you plant them in a rich compost with soil improver or manure to give them the best start.
Prep your vegetable patch
I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot more people grow their own vegetables this year; with supermarket shelves currently empty, everyone will be thinking towards sustainable living. It’s extremely rewarding to grow your own fruit and vegetables – they taste much better than supermarket veg too! – and it’s a great thing for kids to do, too.
March is the ideal time to sow salad crops, tomato and cauliflower seeds under cover in your greenhouse or windowsill to be moved outside when it gets warmer.
Outside, once the frosts have passed, you can sow peas, carrots, beetroot, summer and autumn cabbages, herbs, leeks, spinach, turnips, spring onions, broad beans, Brussels sprouts and parsnips directly into soil.
March is also good time to start planting out early potatoes, onions, garlic and shallots.
