7 tips to get your garden in top shape this Spring

So, the days are getting longer, the temperatures are starting to rise and it’s time to get your garden ready for the season ahead!

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April is a pivotal month in the gardening calendar, but with a little planning and effort, you can set the stage for a thriving, beautiful outdoor space.

There’s nobody better than Alistair Owen to help you make the most of your treasured green space. The owner of the Greenside and Brookside Garden Centres in Lanarkshire is an expert in all things horticultural and his website is filled with the products, services and advice you need to get your grounds in shape.

Here Alistair shares his top seven tips to help you make the most of Spring gardening.

Take control of weeds and prep your soil

Spring’s warmer temperatures encourage weeds to pop up, so tackling them early prevents them from stealing nutrients from your plants. Use a hoe or hand fork to remove weeds at the root. At the same time, enrich your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage, structure, and fertility. A healthy foundation means stronger, more productive plants!

Start planting and sowing

April is prime time for planting and sowing! Get your maincrop potatoes in the ground in a sunny, well-drained location, and remember to “earth up” as they grow to protect tubers. Sow hardy vegetables like carrots, beetroot, radishes, and lettuce directly into the soil. Summer-flowering bulbs such as gladioli and dahlias should also be planted now, while warm-weather crops like courgettes and squash can be started indoors for moving outside later.

Revive your lawn

A lush lawn is the perfect backdrop for a beautiful garden. Now is the time to aerate your lawn by poking small holes to improve drainage and air circulation. Apply a balanced lawn fertiliser, repair any bare patches with grass seed, and treat moss to keep your lawn looking its best.

Make your garden pollinator-friendly

Attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects helps your garden flourish. Plant pollinator-friendly flowers such as marigolds, lavender, and cosmos to support biodiversity while adding colour and vibrancy to your outdoor space.

Keep an eye on pests and diseases

Regular plant inspections can help you catch common pests like aphids, slugs, and snails before they cause major damage. Keeping your garden tidy and removing dead plant matter will also reduce hiding spots for unwanted pests. Early action means healthier plants all season long.

Prune and support your plants

Prune spring-flowering shrubs as soon as they finish blooming to encourage new growth. Hydrangeas also benefit from a tidy-up at this time. For taller plants like sweet peas and delphiniums, provide stakes or trellises to keep them supported as they grow.

Stay on top of general maintenance

A well-maintained garden is a happy garden! Apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Water new plants regularly, especially during dry spells, and clear away any debris to keep your garden looking fresh and tidy.

Bonus tip: Enjoy the emerging Spring growth!

Take time to appreciate the new shoots and buds appearing in your garden. It’s a rewarding time to see nature coming back to life after the winter. #HappyGardening

The one-stop-shop for all your gardening needs

Greenside and Brookside are two of the largest garden centres in the area. Both centres provide high-quality products and a huge variety of plants and flowers.

Visit their website and you’ll find a stunning range of outdoor furniture that combines quality and durability with style. They’re the perfect way to relax and enjoy the sun in your beautifully tended garden.

On top of that, there’s a whole line of carefully curated homeware that will bring a unique charm to your property.

And you’ll also be able to access more of Alistair’s amazing tips from how to wake up your lawn to growing your own terrific tomatoes.

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If you want to make the most of your garden, visit Greenside/Brookside Garden Centre now.