Spring is just around the corner and we are all starting to come out of hibernation as the days grow longer. Flowers are starting to bloom as crocus sparkle across lawns and daffodils are popping which means only one thing - It's time to get your garden ready for the season of growth and renewal! Whether you’re looking to rejuvenate your outdoor space or create a fresh, vibrant garden, preparing now will set you up for success. At Tom’s Yard, we’ve got all the pots, tools, tips, and inspiration you need to ensure your garden is ready for the warmer months, so here is your essential guide to spring garden prep.
The Big Spring Clean
Before planting anything new, it's essential to tidy up your garden. Winter can leave a bit of a mess behind, with dead leaves, branches, and weeds taking over your garden and your pots unfortunately won't be immune to Winter's chaos. You can trim back and remove dead flowers and sticks from perennials now to let the new growth come through and freshen up your pots as well as removing dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs. Timing for this is key as you want to be pruning before new growth begins.
Check and Repair Garden Tools
Now’s the perfect time to check your gardening tools and give them a good cleaning. Sharpen your pruners, rake, and hoes, and make sure everything is in working order. If any tools are worn out and can't be fixed it may be time to replace them before you dive into your garden work. A clean, sharp tool is essential for making quick and precise cuts when pruning and planting and stopping the spread of disease. It is also worth checking over mowers and strimmers to - checking for any wildlife before turning on and tackling that first lawn cut of the season.
Top up your pots
If you didn't add winter mulch to your pots, do not worry, you can still add a layer of mulch now - Over the winter, soil nutrients can be depleted and your plants will benefit from a much needed nutrient top up to your old compost.
Get started on your seeds
For many gardeners, spring means planting flowers, vegetables, and herbs. But not everything can be planted directly outdoors just yet. If you’re growing things like tomatoes, peppers, or other warm-season plants, start your seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. This gives them a head start before being transplanted outside.
If starting seeds seems time-consuming, consider buying early-start seedlings from your local garden centre. These young plants will thrive in your garden and give you a head start on the growing season.
Stay on Top of Weeding
A big benefit of growing in pots is the minimal amount of weeding required but after a Winter in the garden, those pots will need some TLC and a bit of weeding. Weeds tend to pop up quickly, so make sure to pull them out while they’re still small. You can use hand tools or simply use your hands to remove weeds. If you're not a fan of getting them dirty then our friends at Feverfew have the most amazing gloves. They're machine washable, available in a variety of sizes and just hands above the average gardening glove.
Keep Pests at Bay
Though containers can be easier to manage than traditional garden beds, they’re still susceptible to pests. As you prepare your garden, don’t forget to stock up on natural pest control solutions and make sure your pots are clean and tidy, a messy pot is an open invitation to pests.
And last by no means least!
Buy your pots ready for planting (From Tom's Yard of course)
There is nothing worse than having a fantastic garden centre haul or having lots of seedlings to plant out and not having enough pots (doh!) so make sure you've planned out what pots you have, what you need and then buy the plants to suit the pot, not the other way around - Trust us, it's the best way to go!
And , take time to enjoy the whole process. Gardening is a rewarding and therapeutic activity, and it’s a wonderful way to connect with nature. Whether you’re planting flowers, growing vegetables, or tending to your lawn, each step brings you closer to a lush and thriving garden.
If you're ever unsure of anything in your garden then visit our FAQ page on the website or contact one of the team who will be happy to help.
