Title:
10 Top Gardening Tips to Prepare Your Garden for Spring – Expert Advice
Content:
Green-fingered Scots are excited to step back into their gardens and allotments now that the harsh winter weather has subsided. As the first signs of spring start to emerge after enduring four named storms since December, the question arises – where to begin?
Starting Fresh: Preparing the Ground
Chief Features Writer MATT BENDORIS sat down with Beechgrove Garden favorite George Anderson, 80, who has been a presenter on the show for 19 years. George shares his top ten gardening tips to kickstart the season ahead.
Digging In: Cultivating the Soil
To prepare the ground for cultivating crops, whether it be a vegetable patch or an allotment, the first step is to fork it over. This also applies to your lawn, as digging the soil up helps it to heat up in the sun. Wait until you spot the first weeds germinating before sowing any crops, indicating that the soil is at the right temperature. Start by sowing parsnips, followed by peas and beans, and as the weather warms up, sow carrots and cauliflower.
Weather Warnings: Beware of Frost
Despite the arrival of spring, frost can still occur until the end of May. Protect sensitive seedlings by covering them with horticultural fleece to shield them from any unexpected frost. Being cautious with frost protection can save all your hard work from being ruined overnight.
Pruning Preparations: Trim and Feed
Spring is the time to cut down established flowers in your borders and treat them with a balanced fertilizer. For larger flower clumps, consider splitting them with a spade to rejuvenate their growth in the upcoming season.
Mulching Matters: Saving Water
Invest in mulch to conserve water for your plants later in the year. Opt for spent mushroom compost or shredded farmyard manure to retain moisture in the soil, giving your plants a healthy start.
Gentle Pruning: Shaping Shrubs
Avoid aggressive pruning and opt for light trims to maintain the shape of your shrubs. Let them develop naturally to encourage flowering, as excessive pruning can hinder the growth of buds.
Befriending Bees: Invite Wildlife
Create a welcoming environment for wildlife and insects in your garden, as they play a vital role in pollination. Leave space for bees and other creatures to thrive, ensuring a balanced ecosystem that supports plant growth.
Natural Pest Control: Chemical-Free Gardening
Eliminate pests like aphids using natural solutions such as a soap solution rather than harsh chemicals. By avoiding chemical treatments, you can maintain a healthy garden environment without disrupting the natural balance.
Flower Power: Blooming Beauties
Visit your local garden center regularly to purchase flowering plants in bloom. This strategy ensures a continuous display of colorful flowers throughout the season, leaving your friends and neighbors envious of your vibrant garden.
Relax and Reflect: Enjoy Your Garden
Take the time to sit back and appreciate your garden without constantly working on it. Plan and visualize the garden’s layout while basking in the sunlight, enjoying the beauty of nature. Remember to strike a balance between gardening tasks and simply relishing the tranquility of your outdoor space.
Embrace these expert gardening tips to prepare your garden for the upcoming spring and summer seasons with success. Best of luck to all gardening enthusiasts for the fruitful season ahead.
Beechgrove Garden airs on BBC Scotland next Thursday at 8pm and BBC Two on Friday at 7.30pm.