7 helpful tips to prepare for the new gardening season
Garden tasks when spring fever strikes:
Spring is a time of renewal and there is no better place to witness this transformation than in your own garden. As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it is time to roll up your sleeves and prepare your garden for the abundant growth that lies ahead. Before you plunge into planting and cultivating, you need to make some basic preparations to lay the foundation for a successful and thriving garden season. From clearing out winter debris to assessing soil conditions, here are some essential tasks you need to do when the spring itch begins.
A list of gardening tasks when the spring jitters hit: 1. Clear away winter debris 2. Inspect and clean tools 3. Preparing soil 4. Pruning and thinning 5. Weed control 6. Inspection and planning 7. Germinating seeds.
1. Opruimen van winterafval
Start cleaning up all the debris that has accumulated during the winter months. Remove fallen leaves, branches and other rubbish that has accumulated in your garden beds and paths. This not only cleans up the space, but also prevents potential pests and diseases from taking over as temperatures rise.
2. Inspect and clean tools
Before you start gardening, take an inventory of your tools. Inspect them for signs of damage or wear and clean them thoroughly. Sharpen knives, lubricate hinges and replace tools that are beyond repair. With well-maintained tools, gardening becomes much more efficient and fun.
3. Assess the condition of your soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden, so take time to assess and prepare your soil for planting. Test the pH and nutrient levels of your soil and top it up with compost, organic matter or fertilisers if necessary. Turn the soil in your beds to aerate and break up any compacted areas to ensure optimal growing conditions for your plants.
4. Pruning and thinning
Spring is the ideal time to prune back and thin out dead or overgrown branches of shrubs, trees and perennials. This encourages new growth and promotes overall plant health. Use clean, sharp secateurs to prune precisely and remove diseased or damaged foliage to prevent the spread of diseases in your garden.
5. Weed control
As temperatures rise, so do weeds. Take proactive measures to control weed growth before it becomes overwhelming. Pull weeds by hand or use a hoe or cultivator to remove them from your garden beds. Consider applying mulch or other ground cover if necessary to stop weed growth and retain moisture in the soil.
6. Inspection and planning
Walk through your garden and assess the condition of your plants. Look for signs of new growth, pests or other problems that need attention. Use this time to plan the layout of your garden and decide which plants you want to grow this season. Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, spacing requirements and houseplants to maximise the productivity and beauty of your garden.
7. Germinating seeds.
Start germinating annual plants indoors. Start by selecting seeds of annual herbs or flowers, chilies, tomatoes, greens, etc... Fill seed trays with potting soil, plant the seeds at the recommended depth and water lightly. Place the trays in a warm, sunny place or use a grow light. Keep the soil constantly moist and watch the seeds sprout. Once the seedlings emerge, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions before planting them out in the garden.
By making these basic preparations now, you will prepare yourself for a bountiful and rewarding gardening season. With a little effort and attention to detail, you can create a lush and vibrant outdoor space that the whole neighbourhood will envy. So embrace the arrival of spring and get ready to see your garden come alive!