Spring clean your garden

Spring is the time to clean up after a long winter, and your garden is no different to your bedroom or wardrobe when it comes to tidying things up.

As the temperatures heat up it can be difficult to get motivated to get out in the backyard to do everything that needs to be done to make your garden spring ready.

Here is a list to follow throughout spring to bring your garden back to life and thriving again.

FEED LAWNS AND PLANTS

Plants as they burst into growth need feeding. Use organic-based fertilisers in garden beds.

For pots use liquid feeds or slow-release products. Lawns require specialised, high-nitrogen fertilisers.

LOOK AFTER THE LAWN

If you’re thinking about laying down a new lawn then this is the time.

Less water is required as temperatures aren’t that hot, so it reduces the amount of heat evaporation.

IT’S PLANTING TIME

It’s planting season which means it’s time to make-over problem areas in your yard or plant fast-growing shade trees.

Plant your vegies such as varieties of tomatoes, beans, capsicums, Swiss chards, chillies, eggplant, cucumbers, beetroot, carrots, lettuce, zucchini and Asian greens. Basil and parsley are also key additions to your garden.

RENEW YOUR MULCH

After fertilising garden beds, renew mulch cover before it begins to heat up in the summer.

Once you have planted, add a fresh layer of mulch around your new plants before weeds are able to grow through then you will barely have to do it in the summer.

PAMPER POTTED PLANTS

Top up potting mix and re-pot overgrown plants into larger containers.

House plants need some work, so give them a trim and tidy, flush the soil thoroughly with water (or re-pot), then fertilise.

CHECK WATERING SYSTEMS

Check over irrigation systems and re-program timers with the temperatures rising.

FRESHEN UP FLOWER BEDS

Remove any dead debris and leaves from the soil surface where you are looking to plant new flowers and vegies.

Get rid of the winter protective mulch from around perennials and ornamental grasses.

PRUNE SHRUBS AND TREES

If you hadn’t got around to pruning your trees and shrubs in the winter now is the time.

Especially if you have summer-blooming trees and shrubs, it is crucial before they push out new growth.

WHAT’S BLOOMING?

Spring is known for flowers with beautiful roses, azaleas and the aromas of jasmine scents in the air.

Other scented flowers include lilacs, sweet peas and port wine magnolias.

The new season also brings the return of clematis, bearded iris and wisteria.

The natives that come out are kangaroo paws, waratahs and flannel flowers.

CONTROL PESTS

Checking regularly for pests as your seedlings establish is important.

But if you are planting anything that is edible, you have to make a careful decision on the kinds of insecticides you use to make sure it’s non-toxic.

There are also natural pest control methods you can try that are better for your health and the environment.