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HOW TO PREPARE YOUR GARDEN FOR THE SPRING AND SUMMER MONTHS

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garden spring

As Spring has almost sprung and with Summer around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get decluttering and that includes stepping into your garden to get it prepped and ready for the warmer months ahead. Traditionally, Spring is a time where flowers bloom and bulbs emerge but, preparing your garden will ensure you reap those rewards later in the year. The team at Hillarys have pulled together their top tips on how to prepare your garden for the Spring and Summer months

Plant early
Similar to potted plants that reside in a windowsill, many bulbs and perennials can be started in pots and kept indoors or in a greenhouse. Some types of perennials and bulbs can be planted in the ground by digging a small hole and dropping the bulb in, allowing you to get the first wave of planting completed (check the bulb packet instructions for more details on when to plant).

The big spring clean
Cleaning isn’t everyone’s cup of tea however, ensuring your garden is well maintained and free of unwanted dead leaves, trees or stalks can be a great way to spend a sunny morning. All the rotting matter in your garden can harbour harmful diseases that can spread into flower beds and leave your garden looking totally bare when springtime comes around. A good sweep up and clean is a great way to get your garden looking in tip, top shape.

Reduce, reuse, compost
If you haven’t already got one, a compost bin is a great way to turn unwanted organic matter such as rotting leaves, old fruit and veg peelings, tea bags and grass cuttings into compost. In the spring, the organic waste will be ready to use in your flower beds, it also allows you to save cash instead of splurging on bags and bags of compost.

Maintain fences, gates and trellis’

Now is the perfect time to get those pesky maintenance jobs out of the way before spring and summer emerge and you’ll certainly thank yourself for getting them done afterwards. It’s not just fallen debris or rotten matter you need to tackle, it’s important to check fence panels, gates, and trellis for any signs of weather damage or decay too. If needs be, replace any broken segments or structures and give fence panels and gates a deep clean using a power washer to remove stubborn dirt or grime. After the wood has dried, it’s worth applying a lick of paint to it to give it a fresher look.

Look after garden furniture
In the cold winter months, garden furniture can become worn and begins to look untidy. Whether your garden furniture is made from plastic, wood, or wicker, it is going to need some love and attention being the big unveiling in spring and for the hotter summer months. A top tip is to invest in garden furniture covers or store furniture in a garden shed, so it’s not exposed to the harsh elements of winter. Plastic furniture is slightly easier to maintain and can be spruced up with warm water and a sponge.

On the other hand, any furniture made from timber or wicker needs more care. A good idea would be to invest in wood oil and use to treat any parts that look tired or damaged, this will ensure the garden furniture is looking its best for spring.

Turn your windowsill into a mini vegetable garden
Spring will provide the best growing conditions for potted plants or containers situated on a windowsill and allow them to get off to a flying start. Impress guests at dinners parties with cuttings of your freshly grown veg and herbs, all within snipping distance of the kitchen table.

hillarys.co.uk