Spring is just around the corner, bringing relief after a long, cold winter. To fully enjoy your outdoor spaces on those first sunny days, tackle key garden maintenance now. From leaf collection and pruning to vegetable garden prep and planting, here's our expert guide to essential tasks before summer arrives.
Spring symbolizes renewal indoors with deep cleaning and detoxes—your garden deserves the same treatment. Clean, aerate, and rejuvenate plantings to set the stage for vigorous growth.
Even if you've cleared leaves through winter, give your garden one last thorough rake before spring work begins. Opt for a blower (with vacuum and shredder functions) for larger areas, finishing with a rake to avoid fatigue. The right tool matches your garden size for efficiency.
Ready to harvest your own fresh produce? Start by uprooting dead plants on dry days—they're perfect for compost or hedge bases. Use a grelinette or dig gently to preserve soil microbes, then enrich with compost. Consider green manures to boost soil health by fixing nitrogen, reducing acidity, or disinfecting. Proven options include:
Choose 100% natural, preferably organic fertilizers like crushed horn or dried blood from trusted garden centers.
Revive paved surfaces with a pressure washer. Skip harsh chemicals—our eco-friendly homemade mix is safer for pets, family, and the planet: 1 liter water, black soap, and a cup of baking soda. Scrub, then rinse with 1 glass vinegar per liter water to deter mold.
March is prime time for pruning trees and shrubs. Make clean, light cuts to open the center, promoting airflow and vigor—retain strong branches. Target summer/fall-blooming shrubs, pome fruit trees, and stone fruit trees. Save evergreens, conifers, and hedges for April; spring bloomers need only deadheading until post-summer.
Safety first: pruning at height risks falls. Hire certified arborists for large jobs—they handle waste too.
Winter-weary lawns need care post-leaf pickup. Scarify to banish moss, which chokes soil and grass. Overseed thin spots, apply organic fertilizer, and wait for dry soil if moles or rain have left holes—fill and level then.
Mow sparingly, especially English lawns—leave paths unmowed in large areas to boost biodiversity, creating a natural "meadow" vibe.
For lawn renewal:
Post-cleanup, plant away! Choose from dahlias, lilacs, rhododendrons, lily of the valley, peonies, valerian, primroses, irises, carnations, cornflowers, hollyhocks, acanthus, daisies, or pansies—match to sun exposure and soil type.
Spring sowings and plantings abound:
Finish with efficient irrigation like drip systems, clean garden furniture, and relax outdoors as warmth returns.
