Gardening: 10 jobs to prepare your garden for spring Bedford News

The days begin to stretch and the fresh shoots of a new season begin to unfold.

As we look forward to lighter and brighter evenings, now is the time to start thinking about getting your garden ready for spring.

The to-do list can seem daunting, especially in the wake of winter.

But Laura Schwarze, outdoor furniture specialist, Luxury Rattan, enlisted the help of a team of other gardening experts to break down exactly which gardening jobs you should be ticking off your to-do list in the coming weeks. .

Whether they’re kept in a shed or garage or stored outside during the colder months, now is the perfect time to make sure your furniture looks its best.

When it comes to cleaning any rattan garden furniture, start by giving it a first run with a vacuum cleaner or a sturdy brush.

Laura Schwarze, Head of Luxury Rattan, adds: “If you find there is dirt trapped in the rattan weave, take a toothbrush to loosen it, then you should be able to wipe it off or vacuum it up easily. .

“Once you have removed any residual dirt, fill a bowl with warm, soapy water using a little washing-up liquid and gently wipe down your furniture with a soft cloth. Just be sure to wipe off any soapy residue on your furniture before leaving them to dry outside.

As we move out of winter, it’s really important to keep an eye out for any wildlife that may still be inhabiting your garden.

Simon Cowell, Founder of the Wildlife Aid Foundation, said: ‘During the colder months the critters can end up in any shed or outdoor storage space, and can then easily get trapped. It’s a good idea to check your sheds and garages for any signs that animals might still be sheltering inside.

If you find wild animals, be sure not to disturb them and call your local animal shelter for advice.

If you like to accessorize your outdoor space with outdoor upholstery, now is the perfect time to wash them and prepare them for the warmer weather.

For removable cushion covers, use your washing machine.

Laura advises: “For garden cushion covers that need a simple refresh, put them in your washing machine with your usual detergent.

“To dry them, hang them outside or over your radiator and make sure they’re completely dry before putting them back on the sofa inserts.”

If your cushion covers cannot be removed for machine washing:

“Use lukewarm water with the mild detergent of your choice to clean non-removable cushion covers. A soft brush is best to remove the stain before cleaning with a damp cloth.

“Excess moisture can be soaked up with towels to ensure as much moisture is absorbed before letting dry.”

If you haven’t put away the fall leaves yet or the blustery weather has blown new debris into your space, now is a great time to clean up your yard.

Not only can this make your space look great, but clearing leaves and other debris from your lawn and flower beds can help ensure they are in the best possible shape as the sun approaches. spring.

For now, focus on keeping the natural elements in your garden neat and tidy, as gardening expert Michael Perry, also known as Mr Plant Geek, explains: “There is no lots of patio maintenance to do at the moment, because you better wait until we’ve seen the last bad weather.

“Instead, just be sure to clean up any debris to avoid tripping hazards and your patio gets slippery.”

After recent heavy rains, it’s a good idea to aerate your lawn and make sure it can drain properly.

To ensure your lawn is as healthy as possible as spring approaches, Michael suggests using a garden pitchfork to make 5cm to 15cm spikes in your grass to reduce lawn compaction and ensuring your grass is able to breathe – ensuring brilliant green grass as we enter the warmer months.

With the temperatures starting to climb, chances are weeds have started to appear in your outdoor space.

Spending time dealing with invasive plants now – whether by removing them by hand or using weed killer – will really give you a head start when it comes to getting your garden ready for spring.

Starting the weeding process early will ensure your flower beds are in the best possible condition when it comes time to start planting in a few weeks.

While much of the tidying up of your garden should have been done in the fall, now is the time to take a look at your garden and cut off any wilted stems that might be impacting the health of your garden. your plants when they start to regrow.

When it comes to pruning your spring-ready garden, Michael cautions, “Don’t be too quick to cut off spent seed heads, especially with grasses because seed heads can be really decorative and a great addition to your garden during your spring planting.

Although you may not be planning to start your spring planting just yet, now is the perfect time to make sure your flower beds are ready.

Use a rake to even out and loosen the soil and be sure to add a layer of compost or mulch to add nutrients to your soil – creating the perfect home for the plants.

If you prefer to keep your plants in pots, be sure to rinse out any empty pots and wipe away the dirt that has built up over the colder months.

With the good weather approaching, it is really important to make sure you have everything you need to be able to go out and enjoy your garden as soon as the sun arrives.

Laura explains: “Every year, as soon as the good weather hits, we see people going to their local garden center for last minute items or being bitten by next day delivery charges for garden items they have could overlook.

“To avoid that mad rush, now is the perfect time to make sure you’ve sorted out all the handy extras you might need to make your time in your garden extra special.

“For example, make sure you have enough gas for your fireplace, outdoor lights are working, and you know where your outdoor extension cord is.”

It may be a little too early to think about eating outdoors, but it’s not too early to make sure your barbecue is fully cleaned and ready for spring.

Remove any small metal parts that might go through the dishwasher and be sure to scrub the exterior thoroughly.

Once dry, be sure to store it ready for the first heat wave of the year.