Springtime garden preparations

The joy of Springtime is inextricably linked to the wonder of nature. Flowers bloom, enchanting colours and fragrances fill the great outdoors and the most beautiful season of the year slowly awakens from winter hibernation, right in front of our eyes.

March is considered one of the most important months for avid gardeners, as plenty of preparations must be made to make sure the garden has everything it needs to put on a stunning springtime show, in the months to come.

Before starting your gardening work, a thorough inspection is needed, to check for any damages caused by low temperatures and winter storms. Wind and rain can affect all plant life, while fallen leaves, broken branches and damaged shoots must be carefully removed. Make sure you check the quality of the soil and remove large weeds before sprinkling plants and grassy areas with water to remove any insects or larvae that may have survived the cold.

Don’t forget to make sure you also have all the necessary garden tools at hand, and that they are all in good working condition.

Once your initial inspection is complete, grab your pruners and saws to begin clearing dry branches and bushes. Follow this process by using pressure sprayers to make sure unwanted guests are not still lingering among the foliage.

While soil preparation may not be the most glamorous of gardening chores, it is one of the most important. Dig and till your soil, well while adding compost to areas that have dried out from the winter rains, so that your garden can incorporate the new nutrient-rich soil before planting and replanting begins. You should also ensure that flower beds are well drained, by simply adding a little sand to the soil. If you plan on planting something close to a wall, you may need to add extra moisture-retaining materials, as soil near barriers, tends to dry faster than it does in other areas.

It is also important to ensure soil aeration and weed control by raking your flower beds well, before removing smaller garden weeds.

Tip: Before preparing your soil, make sure you have all necessary tools and accessories that will help you get the job done quickly and easily.

Mid-March is a great time to start planting bulbs, seeds and flowering plants, as the weather slowly gets warmer and warmer. It is also a good time to plant new trees and shrubs as well as transfer plants that need more growing room, to bigger pots.Keep in mind that you should avoid planting if unexpected rains appear. Instead, plant seeds in small pots which can later be replanted into the soil, when properly drained.

Extra Tip: It is always advisable to add support systems to young plants, as installing them at a later stage could lead to root damage.  

You should gradually begin watering your garden more frequently as temperatures rise and rains decrease. Start with a twice-a-week routine, and increase frequency accordingly. March is a great month to check that all your essential watering equipment is in good condition and ready for action.

It is also advisable to begin fertilizing your plants at the beginning of this month. Start with small areas and intensify the process around mid-March, but don’t forget to check that all your plants are healthy before proceeding. 

After all your hard work, make sure you give yourself a break, sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour, in your gorgeous newly-tended garden.