Spring brings the perfect weather for all things gardening, but with so much to do, it can be tough to know where to start. To help you make the most of the season, and avoid feeling overwhelmed, here is a list of our top gardening tasks for a lush spring garden.
1. Start Planting your Herbs and VegetablesÂ
While some argue against planting in spring, and there are absolutely pros and cons to doing so, for many people spring is the ideal time. It gives your new plants time to develop and mature, grow and often even bloom before winter.
You may be wondering what is best to plant, and thankfully, there are many options. Planting vegetables in spring can be very rewarding, and in fact, herbs and vegetables are the perfect things to plant at this time. Whether you have a raised garden bed or containers to plant in, herbs and veggies make the perfect addition to your garden. Not only are they great to have on hand when cooking meals, but they can also be surprisingly easy to grow! Â
Some of the most popular options include:
- Vegetables: Radishes, beans, peas, lettuce, and carrots
- Herbs: Mint, oregano, and parsley (low-maintenance and great kitchen staples!)
If you want to experiment this season, check out online retailers like MI Gardener for a variety of seeds or visit your nearest plant nursery for already established plants and seedlings.Â
Before planting, plan out your garden to ensure each plant has enough space to thrive. It is also worth researching what plants they are compatible with to ensure everything in your garden can flourish. We've covered this in detail in our Companion Planting Guide, so be sure to check it out for more tips!
Some people find it helpful to draw out a diagram to assist in planning and planting. Simply draw your garden area from a bird’s eye view (ie. from above) and label each section with what will be planted as well as how much space around each seed or plant it requires and other plants it is compatible with.
You may want to go a step further and include a watering schedule in your plans. To make this easier, Hoselink has a great range of Sprinklers you can view by clicking here. No matter the shape of your garden, there’s a sprinkler that will help you ensure even, and consistent watering is completed, further assisting you in a successful spring Garden! Â
Not sure what to plant in your zone? Our Monthly Zone Gardening Blogs feature expert recommendations for Zones 5-7 and 8-10 to help you choose the best crops for your climate! Â
2. Replenish & Renew your Soil Â
The key to happy, healthy plants is happy, healthy soil! Spring is a great time to give your soil a bit of a facelift and get it ready for some new life. Even if you aren’t ready to start planting right away, soil preparation can be completed so that you are ready in time for your new herbs, vegetables, or flowers.
Soil with good drainage and lots of organic matter is critical. Your soil needs to be able to hold the right amount of water but not so much that your plants become waterlogged. Early spring is the perfect time to add any nutrients your soil may be missing, as well as remove weeds or anything that doesn’t belong there. You may also wish to add some organic fertilizer to your soil to further enrich it. Â
3. Plant your Perennials Â
Have you been looking to add some florals to your garden? With spring time here, it is the ideal time for perennials! Before you start planting, just be sure to wait for the last frost to be over, then you can go to town.
Some of our favorite varieties include:
- Tulips
- Primroses
- Forget-me-nots
- Snowdrops
With so many options available, there's something for every garden. To best care for your perennials, offer them some mulch to help retain moisture and limit the amount that you need to water them. Avoid letting water get on the foliage of perennials, as this can lead them to become diseased. In terms of how often to water, check the soil before watering. You never want perennials to be too wet or too dry. It’s a fine balance, but trust us, you will learn what the best routine is sooner than you think. Â
4. Prune your trees and shrubs Â
Pruning in spring is a must-do. It will be easier to identify dead or diseased branches, decreasing the likelihood of removing any healthy parts of your plants. It is also a good opportunity to remove any branches that have become damaged, broken or hazardous over winter time.
As we have been saying, spring is the season of new growth! So, it’s important to give your garden the best chance at success with a nice big prune before the season is in full swing.
Other than pruning for plant health or safety reasons, others like to prune to invite more sunshine and airflow into their outdoor spaces. After all, things can become crowded if you are a plant lover! Â
For an in-depth guide on pruning, check out our How & When to Prune blog!Â
5. Give your indoor plants some loveÂ
While we are looking after the outdoor part of our home, don’t forget about the plants inside!
If any of them aren’t looking their best, there are a few things you can do:
- Start by diagnosing the problem; more often than not, you can find the answer through a simple Google search.
- Whether it's been over or underwater, it is important to start the recovery of the plant right away. Give each of your indoor plants a thorough drenching in the sink, allowing them to drain out any excess water. Check that your pots have somewhere to drain while you are leaving them in your home. If you don’t, drill some holes in the bottom of the pot and place a saucer or plate underneath to catch the excess.
- If your plants are looking particularly under the weather, some parts may require a prune, as we don’t want the plant to be expending energy on repairing parts of the plant that are beyond repair.
- Some people like to add some fertilizer to their indoor plants, just ensure you are using the correct type and dosage before continuing.
If you’d like to learn more about resurrecting a sick plant, you can check out our top tips in our YouTube video with Aussie Horticulturist Ben Hayman, by clicking here.Â
6. Clean, clean, and clean again Â
Now is the perfect time to clean out your garden shed, tools and entire outdoor area. Trust us when we say that you won't want to be outside doing pesky chores when winter rolls around!
Did you know that disease from plants can spread between plants when your tools are not cleaned correctly? Give your cutting tools some TLC and save your plants in the future.
Rake up any garden debris like leaves or sticks, mow your lawn and be sure to collect all clippings and garden waste.
Completing a big clean and re-organization will make you feel even more prepared and don’t forget to do a re-stock of any supplies you may be missing. To view Hoselink’s quality range of garden equipment, click here. Â
Read our 6-step blog on Decluttering Your Garden Shed here.Â
7. Start a Composting System Â
Did you know that your garden waste can be used in a composting system?
A composting system is a cost-efficient way to become even more eco-friendly. With a new season, there is no better time to try something new.
Here's how to get going:
- Start your compost system on the earth, by layering straw followed by your compost materials in layers.
- Add your green matter like grass clippings, clover or buckwheat.
- Cover with a bin and lid which you can find at your local hardware store or Home Depot.
- Be sure to keep feeding your compost and organize your compostable matter in different bins.
Many people opt for a small kitchen compost bin they can easily put their fruit or veggie peels in or even meal leftovers. Coffee lovers do not fear – the coffee grounds are compostable! However, be aware of what you can and cannot put into your compost bin because there are simple guidelines that will ensure you are set up for success. Â
Not sure what you can and can't compost? We've got you covered in our Composting for Beginners Blog, and for more experienced composters, read our How to Level Up Your Composting Game.Â
Ready to dig in?Â
So, there you have it, our 7 must-do spring gardening jobs. We hope it has been helpful and given you some ideas on how to get out and about in the garden this spring. Now go and enjoy that beautiful weather! Â
