We may yet be in the grip of winter, but as with all things - never fear garden enthusiast, because this too shall pass. Before you know it, it will be time to start welcoming crisp mornings, not icy ones and milder evenings, not freezing ones, and this means that you need to start preparing for your springtime garden now.
That way, when the sun starts hanging around a little longer, you’ll be ready to go, and just so we’re clear, in the northern hemisphere that means that March 12th, 20222 - is spring day!
ORDER SUMMER-FLOWERING BULBS AND SEEDS
Ordering your summer-flowering bulbs and sees at this point, makes for a ‘garden ready’ experience by the time the seasons change, and this also happens to make for the perfect task for a wet winter’s day when you need a little inspiration for the wonderful seasons to come. Think lilies, gladioli, and ranunculi.
And, if you need a little guidance, you can learn how to plant bulbs, here.
START TIDYING UP
It is a great time to start pulling out dead plants, weeds, flowers, and grasses. Take care that you’re only pulling out the dead foliage and not the hibernating roots, if you can save as much of your winter garden as possible, it will make life next winter a little easier. Cut back old and dead growth from deciduous grasses and herbaceous perennials now as well.
YOu can also clear your borders and beds, and start a new compost pile if you need to. Remember not to throw seeds, however dead they may look, onto your compost heap.
CLEAN OUT YOUR GREENHOUSE AND PREPARE YOUR SURFACES
It is also the best time to give your greenhouse a thorough clean and prepare your surfaces, planter boxes, and planting gear. Wash the outside of your greenhouse and ensure that all algae, moss, and grime are cleaned away properly. Cleaner glass lets in more sunlight.
4. ORGANIZE YOUR SOWING SCHEDULE
Before you know it, spring will be here, and just when you start getting used to that, it will be time for the summer. So plan your sowing now and organize your seeds accordingly. In January and February, you can start sowing seeds that need a longer sowing season like geraniums, begonias, and peppers. Remember that they’ll need a heated propagator to ensure beautiful growth.
5. PESTY PESTS, BE GONE!
Don’t be fooled into thinking that because of the icy weather and cold ground, that your garden is bug and best free, that’s a rookie error that will cost you dearly later on. Start the hunt! Look closely at the crowns of your perennial plants and check and then double-check for slugs, snails, and aphids that have taken shelter for the winter.
6. CHOOSE A SPRINGTIME/SUMMERTIME THEME
This is the most fun part of any garden reorganization - choosing a new theme for your garden. Include style tips, design elements, furniture, gadgets, and more. Take a look at this fairy garden for some inspiration, but rest assured, there are a million more inspirational gardens to be found online.
