Gardeners have been urged to act now to prepare their outdoor spaces, and their tools, for more regular use in the spring
Although February is still a month of cold temperatures and unpredictable weather, it’s a crucial time to start preparing your garden for spring. Many gardeners make the mistake of waiting until the warmer months to begin their maintenance, but by taking early action, you can make sure that your garden looks its best before the sunshine returns.
Late winter is the perfect time to tidy up. Whether you have a small garden, a large lawn, or even just a few outdoor plants to take care off, a little effort and an everyday practice can make a big difference in the months to come. Better do it now to avoid extra work. According to gardening experts, here are eight key tips to keep your garden at its best. By following these simple but effective tips, your garden will be in great shape by the time spring arrives.
According to Joe’s Lawn Care, this is exactly what we should be doing to our gardens now.
Rake your lawn properly
It’s not enough to simply collect fallen leaves. Apply a little pressure while raking to remove any dead grass blades that have accumulated over winter. Doing this regularly helps prevent lawn diseases that could damage your garden.
Lawn aeration
Lawn aeration involves making small holes in the soil beneath the grass to improve air circulation and allow water and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. This encourages stronger, healthier growth.
Sprinkle a little lime (only when needed)
No, this isn’t about making a cocktail! Sprinkling a little lime into the soil can increase the pH level, improving grass health. However, only do this if your soil requires it.
Over-seed to fill empty patches
Over-seeding involves spreading grass seed and slowly releasing a nitrogen-based fertiliser into the soil to encourage growth in bare or thinning patches. The effectiveness of this process depends on seasonal weather conditions.
Keep lawns weed-free
Weeds can quickly take over a garden in spring, competing with other plants for sunlight and nutrients. They also tend to grow faster than grass, making them harder to manage in warmer months. Removing them early will save you time and effort later.
Prepare your lawn mower
As spring and summer approach, regular lawn mowing will become a weekly task for many gardeners. Now is the perfect time to check your mower, clean or replace the blades, and make sure that it works.
Mow in different directions
When mowing, alternate the direction each time to prevent grass from growing in one direction, which can lead to an uneven lawn and increase the risk of disease. Not only will it look better, but it will also stay healthier in the long run.
