How to make the most out of your garden this spring

Why spring is the perfect time to garden

As the temperatures rise, the soil begins to warm, making it easier for seeds to germinate and roots to grow. This is especially important for vegetables, flowers, and perennials that require warmth to establish strong roots. A warm, well-aerated soil helps plants grow vigorously in the coming months.

Many flowers, such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses, can be planted in spring to bloom later in the season. Additionally, spring is a good time to plant vegetables and herbs for the upcoming growing season.

Spring is a great time to plant perennials that will come back year after year. It’s also the best time to plant trees and shrubs, as it gives them time to establish their roots before the summer heat sets in. If you are thinking of planting vegetables, now is the time to sow hardy vegetables like broad beans, cabbages, carrots, radishes, lettuce, rocket, and spinach. Potatoes and onions are also great choices to plant early in the season.

Tips for spring gardening

• Soil preparation: Ensure your soil is well-drained, fertile, and enriched with compost or organic matter to encourage healthy plant growth. Frost Protection: Be aware of late frosts that may affect delicate flowers. Use cloches, fleece, or cold frames to protect young plants.

• Sunlight: Choose flowers according to their sunlight preferences. Some, like primroses and bluebells, thrive in partial shade, while others, like daffodils and tulips, prefer full sun.
• Watering: Ensure new trees and shrubs get plenty of water, especially during dry spells.
• Climbers: Tie in new shoots on climbing plants to help them grow properly. Pest control: Protect tender new growth from slugs and snails.
• Deadheading daffodils: Once daffodils have finished flowering, deadhead them by removing only the flower heads. This ensures the plant’s energy is directed back into the bulb for next year’s bloom.
• Lawn care: Begin spring lawn care with aeration, feeding, and thatch removal to ensure a healthy, vibrant lawn.

What flowers are best to plant in spring?

Spring is an exciting time to plant a variety of flowers that thrive in the temperate climate. Whether you’re looking for bright blooms, fragrant flowers, or plants that support pollinators, here are some excellent choices to plant during spring:

1. Daffodils (Narcissus)

• Blooming time: Early to mid-spring
• Why they’re great: Daffodils are a quintessential spring flower with their bright, cheerful blooms. They’re perfect for naturalising in borders or pots and can withstand frosty conditions.

2. Tulips

• Blooming time: Mid to late spring
• Why they’re great: Tulips come in a wide range of colours and varieties, making them a versatile choice for any garden. Planting them in containers or flowerbeds adds a pop of colour to your spring garden.

3. Crocuses

• Blooming time: Early spring
• Why they’re great: Crocuses are often one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, adding vibrant colour to lawns and garden beds. They’re easy to grow and perfect for naturalising.

4. Primroses (Primula vulgaris)

• Blooming time: Early spring
• Why they’re great: Primroses bring soft, pastel colours and are excellent for shaded or woodland gardens. They’re great for planting under trees or in borders.

5. Hyacinths

• Blooming time: Early to mid-spring
• Why they’re great: Known for their fragrant, dense flower spikes, hyacinths are perfect for creating a sensory experience in your garden. They can be grown in beds or containers.

6. Pansies and violas

• Blooming time: Early to late spring
• Why they’re great: These hardy annuals offer vibrant colours and can bloom for months. Pansies and violas do well in cooler spring temperatures and are ideal for borders, containers, and hanging baskets.

7. Sweet Peas

• Blooming time: Late spring to early summer
• Why they’re great: Known for their lovely fragrance and beautiful, delicate flowers, sweet peas are perfect for climbing on trellises or in containers. They do best when sown early in spring and can be trained to climb as they grow.

8. Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

• Blooming time: Mid to late spring
• Why they’re great: Native to the UK, bluebells create a beautiful carpet of blue in woodland areas or shaded borders. They thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. By planting a combination of these flowers in spring, you can create a beautiful, vibrant garden that brings colour, fragrance, and wildlife throughout the season.