Spring is coming, and it’s time to get your garden ready for the new season. Whether you have a flower bed, a vegetable patch, or a lawn, there are some essential tasks that you need to do to keep your garden healthy and beautiful. Here are some tips on how to spring clean your garden.

Prune your plants

One of the first things you need to do is to prune your plants, especially those that have woody stems or branches. Pruning helps to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased parts of the plant, and encourages new growth and flowering. You can use a pair of garden shears or heavy-duty hand pruners to cut back your plants to a few inches from the ground, or to the point where you see new buds or leaves. Some examples of plants that need pruning in spring are roses, lavender, buddleia, caryopteris, and artemisia.

Remove winter mulch and debris

Another important task is to remove any winter mulch and debris that you applied to protect your plants from the cold. Winter mulch can be composted or reused, but make sure to check for any signs of pests or diseases before doing so. Debris such as fallen leaves, branches, or dead annuals can also be composted or discarded, but be careful not to disturb any beneficial insects or pollinators that may be hiding in them. Wait until the soil is dry and the temperature is above 50°F before removing the mulch and debris, to avoid damaging the soil or the plants.

Pull the weeds

Weeds are unwanted plants that compete with your desired plants for space, nutrients, water, and light. They can also harbour pests and diseases, and make your garden look messy. Therefore, it is essential to pull the weeds as soon as you see them, before they spread or set seeds. You can use a hoe, a trowel, or your hands to dig up the weeds, making sure to remove the roots as well. You can also apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or grass clippings, to suppress the weed growth and retain soil moisture.

Edge your garden beds

Edging your garden beds is a simple way to improve the appearance and the structure of your garden. Edging creates a clear boundary between your garden and your lawn, sidewalk, or driveway, and prevents the grass from invading your beds. You can use a spade, an edger, or a string trimmer to cut a neat line along the edge of your beds, and remove any excess grass or soil. You can also install a permanent edging material, such as bricks, stones, metal, or plastic, to create a more defined and durable border.

Enjoy your garden

Spring cleaning your garden may seem like a lot of work, but it is well worth it. By following these tips, you will have a healthy, beautiful, and productive garden that you can enjoy throughout the year. If you need any tools, supplies, or advice for your spring garden clean up, visit Kilmurray’s Hardware, your local and friendly hardware store. We have everything you need to make your garden shine. Happy gardening!