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Spring is well and truly on its way, which can only mean one thing. The days of sowing seeds, growing and nurturing your garden as it comes back to life are just weeks away. Over the past week, searches for “want to sort the garden out, where do I begin?” have increased by 2,200% as avid gardeners start looking to prepare for the new season.

According to data, (42% of the population) partake in gardening activities at home during their leisure time but  admitted to failing to keep their garden plants alive. With this in mind, have compiled a list of expert-approved tips on how to prepare your garden for spring to ensure a successful growing season this year.

Pre-Spring Gardening Tips 

When you’re pre-spring cleaning and preparing your garden for the new season, your main focuses should be: 

1. Clearing moss from your lawn

After a wet and rainy winter, you are likely to experience a slight moss problem on your lawn. In March, searches for “how to remove moss from lawns” spike by 49% as avid gardeners start preparing their gardens for spring. There are several types of moss that grow in lawns. These are usually coarse, loose, green or yellowish-green tufts between the grass, but can form densely matted tufts.

• Moss can be removed by raking or using a powered scarifier, or by applying a non-chemical, bacteria-based moss remover. 
• To avoid moss growing in the future, make sure the growing environment is suitable - avoiding shade where you can, water-logged conditions, and dead patches. 

2. Preparing your summer-blooming flowers in the spring

During March-April, searches for “what bulbs should I plant” peak by 59%. As the seasons change, so should the bulbs you plant. Although you may find summer flowers in full bloom at garden centres by the time summer hits, this is the most expensive way to buy them. Growing them in the spring will cost you a fraction of the price, and ensure you have a beautiful oasis in full bloom by the summertime. 

• Choose summer blooming bulbs: Dahlias, Begonias, Gladioli, Lilies, Peonies, Polianthes. 
• Soak them in a bucket or tray of water. Doing this will wake them up and give them a good start when planted. 
• Plant your bulbs in the garden in late May. 

3. Pruning

March is the second-highest month for searches on “How to prune flowers”, with 44,000 searches on average over the 31 days. Pruning dead and spent flowers, foliage, and stems encourages healthier, fuller plants and more flowers. It also helps remove any dead or diseased flowers to prevent spreading.

• Pinch or cut off dead and spent flowers and foliage. This will force the production of new stems, leaves, and flowers.
• When the plant has multiple buds growing along the stems, cut just below-spent flowers to create the blooms further down the stems.
• Plants to prune in the spring include roses, wisteria, winter jasmine, and buddleia.

4. Cutting your grass at the correct times

In March, searches for “when to cut grass after winter” spike to their highest as Brits are debating when the best time is to start cutting grass after a long and cold winter. Cutting your grass after winter can be a great way to revive your garden and give it a good tidy up before the summer. 

• Perform the first grass cut of the year around mid-late March.
• Mow the lawn at least once every week throughout the spring and summer.
• Try to keep grass the same height throughout the spring - ideally between 2.5-4cm. 

5. Choosing the right plant containers

For those with smaller gardens or patios, container growing is a more viable choice. Search demand for “plant containers” spike by 71% between February - March and are a popular choice amongst beginner gardeners. Bulbs are great for growing in containers because they can be replanted each year to create new blooms.

• Use good-quality, peat-free potting compost for temporary displays.
• Ensure your containers are the correct size for your bulbs and their roots.
• Note that plants in containers need watering more regularly than those in the ground.
  
  

6. Hanging some bird boxes

Birds are wonderful visitors to have in your garden. And whilst they are relaxing to watch, they hold an array of benefits to your garden environment. They can help rid your lawn of weeds, are brilliant at eating unwanted pests and can also help with flower pollination. “How to hang a bird box” is searched an average of 1,000 times a month when it comes to springtime. Here is some advice on how best to place and hang your bird boxes:

• Do not place your bird box in a south-facing position.
• Hang your box between 1-5 metres from the ground.
• Ensure you are choosing the right size box for the types of birds you want to attract.

By preparing your garden for spring in advance, you are giving your plants, vegetables and flowers the best possible chance of a successful growing season. Following these expert-approved tips will see your garden flourish throughout the spring and summer, providing you with a healthy and beautiful-looking space all season long. Contact your  for help or advice.