As the warmer months arrive, a well-prepared garden will reward you all season long. A few targeted tasks in April and May can make the difference between a garden that thrives and one that struggles through summer. Here are the five most impactful things you can do right now.
1. Feed and Treat Your Lawn
Apply a spring/summer lawn feed to get grass growing strongly. If moss is a problem, use a combined feed, weed and moss killer. A green, thick lawn sets the tone for the whole garden.
- Apply spring lawn feed once soil temperature reaches 7°C
- Treat moss with a dedicated moss killer before scarifying
- Overseed any bare patches with a matching seed mix
- Edge the lawn for a crisp, well-kept finish
2. Clear and Mulch Your Borders
Remove any remaining dead growth from winter and apply a thick mulch of well-rotted compost or bark. Mulching retains moisture, suppresses weeds and feeds the soil as it breaks down.
3. Plant Summer Colour
Wait until after the last frost (mid-May in Hampshire) before planting tender bedding. Fill gaps in borders with hardy perennials now — they will establish well in the warm, moist spring soil.
4. Check and Repair Structures
Inspect fencing, decking, pergolas and garden furniture for winter damage. Treat timber with a preservative before summer and replace any broken fence panels now while landscapers are less busy.
5. Sort Your Irrigation
Set up a watering system or at least plan how you will water new plantings through any dry spells. Hampshire and Dorset can experience hosepipe bans from July — collect rainwater where possible.
A&T Landscapes offers spring garden preparation services across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. Call 07735 916029 to book your spring tidy-up.