5 simple ways to get your garden spring-ready

It may still be cold and dry, or cold and wet (depending on where you live), but before long, blossoms will be out and the sweet scent of jasmine will fill the air. Landscaper Craig de Necker from The Friendly Plant shares tips on how to gear up for the spring gardening season

1. CLEAN UP

Begin removing winter debris and unwanted groundcover from your flowerbeds. If you haven’t yet pruned your trees, do so now before the tree begins to open its buds.

2. CUT AND FEED

Prepare your lawn for spring by giving it a good cut, raking and spiking – and cover with organic lawn dressing. Use a combination of compost and fertilisers to feed your plants.

3. GROW

If you are looking to plant seeds for seedlings or veggies, you can do so in a greenhouse or protected area with some plastic to cover; this will give you a head-start for spring.

4. FIX

Warmer weather means the plants will start needing more water. Have a run-through of the irrigation system to find broken pipes, broken or blocked sprays, faulty valves and, of course, plants blocking sprays (as plants get taller, spray stands must be lengthened and spray heads adjusted).

5. PEST CONTROL

The new growth should not be showing yet, so now is a good time to look for and eradicate garden pests.