SPRING is finally here and the weather is starting to warm up.
So it’s an ideal time to get out in the garden.
And experts say there’s some steps you should be taking now to make sure your outdoor space is blooming come summer.
Coming in top of the tips is preparing your garden beds and borders.
With the right approach, you can create an environment that produces vibrant flowers and bountiful vegetables.
Angharad James, product manager at gardening site Maxicrop, shares some top tips for a beautiful border.
CLEAR UP
Throughout the winter, beds and borders can retain debris, weeds, or dead plants, so it is essential to clear the area.
This will not only improve the appearance of your space but also prevent unwanted competition for nutrients and water.
For tough weeds, consider using a shovel or hoe to remove the roots.
SUPER SOIL
Healthy soil is the foundation of any garden. Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels to understand its needs.
If the soil is compacted, use a garden fork or tiller to loosen it and improve drainage. Add compost or organic matter to enrich the soil, providing essential nutrients and encouraging beneficial soil organisms.
Seaweed-based products are an excellent way to restore and maintain soil health. This natural stimulant improves root development, making it easier for plants to absorb essential nutrients from the soil.
PLAN YOUR PLANTS
Consider the plants you’d like to grow and how much space they need. Taller plants, such as sunflowers or lupins, should be placed toward the back of the bed or border to avoid shading smaller plants.
For borders, consider a mix of perennial and annual plants for long-term beauty and seasonal variety.
When planning your layout its essential to consider the sunlight.
South and west-facing borders receive the most sunlight whereas east and north-facing borders get much less (and only at the time of day when the sunlight is weakest). This will determine which plants are best suited to your beds and borders.
SPRING BULBS
Once the last frost of the year takes place (usually around mid-March, but remember this is not guaranteed), it is time to plant summer flowering bulbs such as dahlias, lilies, gladioli, anemone and begonia.
Most bulbs need a sunny spot and well-drained soil, however, some bulbs, such as narcissi, will also grow in partial shade. Many bulbs look great planted in drifts among perennials in borders.
They should generally be planted three times their depth, but this can vary from bulb to bulb.
TRAY PRETTY
If you have started seedlings in trays indoors, you’ll need to transfer them to borders or beds when the threat of frost has passed and they’re large enough to handle, allowing them to grow and develop more easily.
Gently hold the top leaves and carefully ease the seedlings out of the tray. Use a dibber to create a hole in the soil.
Carefully firm the compost around the roots, allowing the first leaves to sit just above the surface.
To ensure your plants get the appropriate level of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) needed to thrive, we recommend using a biostimulant with a complete fertiliser.
WATER SYSTEM
To make watering more efficient, consider installing soaker hoses or drip irrigation.
These systems deliver water directly to the roots, minimising evaporation and runoff. Regularly check your garden beds for signs of pests or diseases and take action promptly to maintain plant health.
TOO MULCH
Once your garden beds are planted, apply a layer of mulch around your plants. Mulching helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain consistent soil temperatures.
Organic mulches such as straw, bark, or wood chips are excellent choices.
