How to Get Your Garden Ready for Spring
Knowing how to prepare your garden for spring can make all the difference between a flourishing outdoor space and a disappointing one. At Mole Avon Country Stores, preparation is key to creating a thriving garden that brings joy all season long. Whether you're tending to a large rural garden or a small village patch, starting early ensures the best results.
Preparing Soil for Spring Planting: The Foundation for a Thriving Garden
One of the most critical steps in preparing soil for spring planting is ensuring it's healthy and nutrient-rich. Begin by clearing away any debris, old plant material, and accumulated weeds over the winter months. Next, check the texture of your soil; if it's compacted, gently loosen it with a fork or tiller to improve aeration.
Adding compost or well-rotted manure now will significantly boost your soil's fertility. We also recommend using a soil testing kit to determine pH levels and nutrient deficiencies, allowing you to adjust with lime, sulphur, or fertilisers as needed.
For best results, invest in recommended garden tools like sturdy forks, hand trowels, and durable gloves. At Mole Avon, we stock a range of basic tools for gardening to help make this vital task easier and more efficient.
Lawn Care Tips for Early Spring: Setting Up for Lush Growth
Simple lawn care tips for early spring can transform your lawn into a lush green carpet by summer. First, give the lawn a light raking to remove winter debris and dead grass. Aerate compacted areas using a hollow-tine aerator, helping moisture and nutrients reach the roots more effectively.
Spring is also the perfect time to apply a spring lawn fertiliser. Choose a balanced mix with nitrogen to encourage strong, leafy growth. Look out for moss or bare patches — now's the time to treat and reseed these areas before the growing season is in full swing.
A sharp mower blade is essential for the first cut of the season, and it's wise to start with a higher cut setting before gradually lowering it over subsequent weeks. If you need help finding the right products for your lawn, Mole Avon's range of fertilisers and tools has everything you need.
When to Prune Shrubs and Bushes for Healthy Growth
Knowing when to prune shrubs and bushes can make or break their performance in the coming months. As a general rule, early spring is ideal for pruning deciduous shrubs that flower on new wood, like hydrangeas and buddleias. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood, and thin out congested branches for better airflow.
However, it's best to wait until after blooming for spring-flowering shrubs like forsythia or lilac. This timing ensures you don't accidentally cut off the buds that would produce this season's flowers.
Having the right tools is crucial — invest in recommended garden tools like sharp secateurs and loppers to make clean cuts that heal quickly. Whether you're pruning for shape, size, or health, Mole Avon has a full range of pruners and accessories to suit your garden's needs.
Garden Pest Control Tips to Protect Your Plants from Early Infestations
Spring pests can wreak havoc just as your plants are beginning to flourish. Early action is critical; these garden pest control tips will help you safeguard your hard work.
Start by encouraging beneficial insects like ladybirds and lacewings, natural predators of aphids and mites. Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests, such as holes in leaves or sticky residue. For persistent problems, consider organic insecticidal soaps or natural deterrents like neem oil.
Barrier methods, such as fleece or netting, can prevent pests like cabbage white butterflies from laying eggs on crops. Good garden hygiene, including removing dead leaves and avoiding overcrowding, can significantly reduce pest habitats.
At Mole Avon, we stock a comprehensive range of seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals to help keep your garden healthy without harming beneficial wildlife. Contact us for more information today.
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Posted by Lauren Cook
3rd June 2025
