Spring Garden Prep: How to Wake Your Garden Up After Winter

As the days start getting longer and the soil slowly warms, spring becomes the most important season for setting your garden up for success.

A little preparation now means stronger plants, fewer pests, and a more beautiful outdoor space all year.

 

Here’s a practical guide to getting your garden ready for spring.

1. Start with a Garden Clear-Up

Winter leaves & debris, fallen branches, and soggy plant matter can harbour pests and disease.

Begin by:

• Removing dead annuals and spent vegetables
• Cutting back perennial stems (leave any with seeds for wildlife if you like)
• Clearing fallen leaves from lawns and beds
• Cleaning out pots, containers, and trays

This gives you a clean slate and lets light and air reach the soil again.

2. Check Your Soil Before You Plant

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden.

• Loosen compacted beds with a fork (avoid digging if soil is very wet)
• Add compost or well-rotted manure to replenish nutrients
• Top up raised beds with fresh soil mix
• Mulch borders to suppress weeds and retain moisture

If you’ve never tested your soil, spring is a great time to check its pH and nutrient levels.

3. Tidy and Revive the Lawn

Lawns often need a bit of recovery after winter.

• Rake out moss and thatch
• Reseed thin patches
• Edge borders for a neat look
• Apply a spring lawn feed if needed

Avoid mowing too short early in the season — let the grass strengthen first.

4. Plan Before You Plant

It’s tempting to start buying plants immediately, but a simple plan saves money and effort.

Ask yourself:

• What worked well last year?
• Which areas need colour or height?
• Do you want more flowers, food, or wildlife plants?

Sketch a rough layout or list what you want to grow. This prevents overcrowding later.

5. Prepare Tools and Structures

Before the growing season gets busy:

• Clean and sharpen tools
• Repair fences and trellises
• Check watering systems
• Wash greenhouse glass to maximise light

Well-maintained tools make every gardening task easier.

6. Encourage Wildlife Back In

Spring is when gardens come alive again.

You can help by:

• Leaving a shallow water source for birds and insects
• Planting nectar-rich flowers
• Keeping some wild corners for pollinators
• Installing nesting boxes early

A wildlife-friendly garden is healthier and more resilient.

Final Thoughts

Spring prep isn’t about doing everything at once — it’s about creating good conditions for the months ahead.

 

A few weekends spent clearing, feeding the soil, and planning your planting will reward you with stronger growth, fewer problems, and a garden that truly thrives.