How to prepare your garden for spring

Over the cooler months, leaves and other debris can build up in your gutters and stop rainwater from draining properly. Set up a sturdy ladder on level ground and, if possible, have someone hold the ladder while you work. Climb with both hands free, then use a gutter scoop or gloved hands to remove leaves and debris, placing it into a bucket secured to the ladder or lowered to the ground as needed. Once the gutters are clear, flush them with a garden hose to check that water flows freely through the downpipes. 

Spring is the best time to tackle weeds while they're still young and before they have a chance to spread. Work through your lawn and garden beds, removing as much of the root system as possible to help stop weeds coming back. A weed puller can make lifting deep-rooted weeds much easier, and if the soil is particularly dry, a light watering beforehand will help loosen stubborn roots.

Take the opportunity to clear away any dead, damaged or diseased plants, along with spent annuals that have finished for the season. Removing old growth instantly freshens up your garden and creates space for new plants to thrive. If you're removing diseased plants, dispose of them in your general waste rather than composting them to help prevent the spread of disease.

If your hedges have become a little unruly over winter, give them a trim to bring them back into shape. Work in smooth, even passes using a hedge trimmer and step back every so often to check the overall shape before trimming any more. Trimming a little at a time is easier than taking too much off at once, especially if the hedge hasn't been maintained for a while.

Use secateurs or pruning shears to remove dead, damaged or crossing branches from shrubs, roses and deciduous trees. A light prune can improve airflow through the plant and encourage strong new growth as the weather warms. Before you start, check the pruning requirements for your particular plant, as some varieties are best pruned after flowering rather than in early spring. Wiping your blades clean between plants is also a simple way to help reduce the spread of disease.

If your lawn is looking patchy or uneven after winter, a light lawn top dressing can help freshen it up. Spread topsoil evenly over any low areas using the back of a rake, taking care not to bury the grass. A light watering afterwards will help settle the soil and encourage healthy growth as the weather warms.

Finish your garden beds with a fresh layer of garden mulch to help lock in moisture, suppress weeds and protect the soil as temperatures begin to rise. Spread the mulch evenly to a depth of around 50 to 75 millimetres, keeping it a few centimetres away from the base of plants and tree trunks to allow air to circulate and help prevent rot. With your spring tidy-up complete, your garden is ready to enjoy throughout the warmer months.

Finished your spring garden tidy-up? Check out our Garden Hub for all the ideas and advice you need to bring your garden to life.

How do I prepare my garden for spring?

Start by clearing leaves and debris, removing weeds and unhealthy plants, and trimming overgrown hedges. Prune suitable trees and shrubs, top dress patchy areas of lawn and finish by adding fresh mulch to garden beds.

When should I remove weeds from my garden?

Spring is a good time to remove weeds while they are still young and before they spread. Try to remove as much of the root system as possible. If the soil is dry, lightly watering it first can make stubborn roots easier to lift.

How do I top dress a lawn in spring?

Spread a light layer of topsoil over patchy or uneven areas using the back of a rake. Avoid burying the grass, then water the area lightly to help settle the soil and encourage healthy growth.

Should I prune trees and shrubs in early spring?

You can lightly prune dead, damaged or crossing branches from suitable shrubs, roses and deciduous trees. Check the requirements of each plant before starting, as some varieties should be pruned after flowering rather than in early spring.

How much mulch should I add to garden beds?

Spread garden mulch evenly to a depth of around 50 to 75 millimetres. Keep it a few centimetres away from plant bases and tree trunks to support airflow and help prevent rot.