Pre-Spring Garden Prep
- Posted on 04 March, 2022
- By Admin
As we rapidly work our way into March, Spring is just around the corner. The nights are starting to get increasingly lighter, and the temperature is definitely a tad warmer, making it the perfect time to start the process of getting your outdoor space ready for Spring. Over the winter months, the good old British weather gives our fences, pots, and patios a bit of a tough time! (Especially with storms like Anwen and Barra!) Investing a bit of time outside now and giving those outdoor areas some TLC, will pay dividends come March and April!
We’ve created a handy checklist to help you get ready for Spring!
1.) Sharpen the lawn mower blades ready for the first cut of the year.
Blunt lawn mower blades can wreak havoc on your lawn! They rip and tug the grass blades rather than giving them a nice clean cut, leaving tears that can weaken the grass and increase the risk of fungus and disease. A nice, sharp blade, will cut cleanly, allowing the grass to recover quickly.
2.) Dust the cobwebs away and clean down your garden furniture.
The last thing you want when you finally sit down with your cuppa on your nice rattan set, is to be met with dirt and cobwebs. If you have a wooden set, it may be worth giving it a thorough jet wash, allowing it to dry, then oiling the wood for protection. Or try a lick of paint, to give it a new lease of life!
3.) Prune your perennials.
Although perennials are hardy and not overly demanding, they still need a little bit of TLC to encourage flowering and growth in Spring. Pruning down to the ‘crown’ of the plant, making sure not to cut any new growth, but removing dead stems and flower heads, should be enough to help the plant to flourish. Also remove any weeds at the roots and add some fresh mulch and feed.
4.) Jet wash the patio and decking.
During the winter months, our patios and decked areas can turn a rather unattractive shade of green! Mould, mildew, and even algae can grow on them when they are damp over the winter, not only making them an eyesore, but they can also become a slippery death trap! Using a powerful jet wash can make an enormous difference – restoring them to their former glory and making them a nice place to be again!
5.) Check you have paid your annual garden waste charge.
Most councils introduced a charge for the collection of garden waste, and this is normally payable on an annual basis with collections starting around March. No tag on your brown bin (or green bin depending on where you live), and the council won’t collect. Make sure you don’t fall foul to this and miss out, go online to your local council’s website, and check out the requirements for where you live.
6.) Purchase some spring bulbs to plant now ready to bring a splash of colour.
Although the warmer weather recently has fooled our daffodils and crocus into thinking it is already spring, most bulbs planted now will flower around Springtime. Hyacinths are a pretty addition to any garden or window box even. Not only do they add colour, they have a beautiful scent. Tulips will also normally appear in Spring, with such a variety of dazzling colours, you can create a feast for the eyes! (The bees and butterflies will thank you too!)
7.) Install a water butt.
Water butts are a superb addition to any garden. With most homes on a water meter, watering flowers and lawns during the Spring and Summer months, can prove costly, especially if we have a relatively dry few months. Collecting rainwater, which would normally run straight from your downspout and into the drain, could save you handsomely! There is also the environmental benefit of reducing your carbon footprint which the planet will thank you for!
8.) Start your own compost heap.
Try making an area in your garden for collecting organic, biodegradable waste and you can make your own nutrient-rich compost. Rather than sending waste to landfill, you can add it to your compost heap. The key things to remember when making your own compost heap, are: aerate, water and waste! Don’t forget to check for wildlife when you aerate though!
9.) Check your fences for any maintenance they may need following the winter.
Making sure your perimeter fences are secure and sound is a good habit to get into. Replace any rotten or damaged panels and treat the wood on a regular basis to prevent rot in the future. Making them secure is essential if you have children or animals too, giving you peace of mind if they are playing outside.
10.) Stock up on LPG gas cylinders ready for your patio heaters, firepit tables and BBQs.
Once you have done all the prep and Spring is here, you will want to head outdoors, invite friends and family over for a BBQ and enjoy the fruits of your labour! The addition of modern table firepits and patio heaters certainly enables you to extend the ability to enjoy outdoor spaces for longer! Our stockists and depots have plenty of stock – call our Head Office on 01244 520551 or email: enquiries@camgas.co.uk to arrange delivery.
We hope our top tips inspire you to get outside and start prepping for the Spring.
Have any top tips yourself? Why not share them with us or send us your pictures of you getting pre-spring prepped, we’d love to see them.
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