Prepare your garden for spring: the jobs to do to at the tail-end of winter
The arrival of spring also us to get back to work in the garden and the vegetable patch, which, in turn, will provide us with beautiful flowers and tasty vittles.
Given this, the tail-end of winter is when you can prepare for all the work to be done in spring. Obviously, a well-prepared vegetable patch or garden will provide better results and crops.
So what work should be done to prepare your garden and or veggie patch for spring? Well, check out the guide below:
1. Spring cleaning
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The first thing to do to prepare the garden for spring is to completely clear it of dead leaves, weeds and dry or dead plants. Compost the leaves and dry plants but throw the weeds into a waste bin (so they do not regrow elsewhere). Also take advantage of this chore to clean out pots and under-vase saucers of debris and dead foliage.
If you have a greenhouse in your garden, now is the best time to clean this too.
2. Remove parasites
Also use the opportunity to get rid of any parasites that have got into your garden: check the soil and your perennial plants for the presence of snails, slugs or aphids and remove these wherever you find them.
3. Prepare your gardening tools
The winter months are perfect for dedicating yourself to the maintenance of your gardening tools: clean them carefully and sharpen them so that they are ready for use when spring arrives. Sterilize your tools so that they do not spread diseases and parasites and make sure they are in good condition. Well-kept garden tools will make your gardening chores much easier to carry out.
4. Prepare your supplies
Prepare your stocks of seeds and bulbs for sowing in the spring: what better time than during winter to calmly select and buy the flowers/seeds/bulbs you want for your spring garden? Study the needs of each plant you want to cultivate and make sure you have everything you need on hand for when you start planting.
5. Collecting water
Winter is the perfect time to think about installing a rainwater collection/storage tank. Collecting rainwater will not only save on your water bills during the upcoming spring and summer, but will also guarantee you have an adequate supply at all times.
Also consider the possibility of putting in an automatic irrigation system (or servicing the one you already have) towards the end of winter.
6. Fencing maintenance
Wintertime is when you can also get going with the maintenance of your gates and fences: check them carefully for damage or signs of deterioration and repair all broken structures to save time in spring. Clean fences and gates thoroughly to remove any traces of moss or mold (or other dirt and pollution). Once done, apply a coat or two of non-toxic waterproofing product to protect your gates and fences.
Following this guide, your garden will be ready for the arrival of spring!
