Many of us will be on the countdown to the extended Easter weekend which is fast approaching. And the extended break is a great chance to get out into the garden, and provide them with the TLC they deserve to get them looking at their best once again.
Make sure the time spent in the garden this Easter is time well spent, by carrying out the 10 jobs listed below.
1. Cut the grass to help provide your lawn with the best chance of looking its best throughout the year. For at least the first three mows of the season your blade should not be set lower than 4cms - as this will help prevent your lawn being cut too short and damaged.
As the month goes on, bring the mower blade down to 3cm, and as the summer approaches consider cutting the grass even shorter, but be careful not to go too short as a neat lawn is the focal point of any garden.
If after cutting your grass you've noticed it's in need of some repair, use the Easter weekend as the perfect opportunity to sow new lawn seeds / repair bare patches.
2. Cutting the lawn, laying new grass seed or repairing bold patches isn't the only TLC which you need to show your lawn throughout April. You should also be scarifying your lawn, weeding and feeding it, to give it the best chance of looking luscious throughout the summer.
3. It may not be the most glamorous job to do in the garden, but there's no denying it is important to give your greenhouse a thorough clean before the hot weather sets in. By taking the time to thoroughly clean your greenhouse, you'll provide your plants with an improved growing environment.
4. Perennial weeds can make your flowerbeds and pathways look unattractive and prevent your plants and shrubs from growing.
To remove weeds, use your garden fork to pull the weeds out, and where possible get as close to the roots, to prevent the weeds from coming back. If the weeds hindering your garden are coming from your neighbour's side, dig a trench 18 inches deep and line one side with a polythene barrier, before packing it with stones. This not only deters weeds, but also provides useful drainage in the garden.
5. Dig compost into the soil, as this will help your plants, seeds and shrubs, etc to stand the best chance of growing strong and healthy due to them being able to get the nutrients they require.
Whilst digging in the compost, it also gives you the opportunity to remove any stubborn weeds which may be left behind.
6. Prune any shrubs which have become frost-damaged or have weak growth, as pruning the shrubs will help to encourage a healthy growth, helping to ensure a wall of colour is created throughout your garden.
7. If you planted shrubs or trees last year, now is the time to give them a once over, especially as the wind combined over the winter months is likely to have loosened the soil. If the soil has become loose, make sure you re-firm it and provide the shrubs / trees with a healthy watering.
8. Clean and repair your garden appliances, especially as many will not have been used since last year. Some of the key areas to check on your garden appliances are the blades on your lawnmowers which may need sharpening or replacing if they've become blunt; whilst the spool line on your trimmer may also need replacing.
9. Growing your own fruit and veg is a great way to save money on your shopping bills, whilst also encouraging you to get out into the garden - even when the weather may not be great. Over Easter is the best time to begin planting your vegetables, particularly asparagus, beans, carrots, onions and peppers.
10. Spend the Easter weekend planting your summer bulbs, particularly Dahlias, and annual seeds such as Marigolds. You should also use the time to plant your biennials including pansies and violas.
Carrying out these ten simple tasks over the Easter weekend will give you a great platform to continue the rest of your gardening throughout the summer months, helping your garden to become a wall of colour, scents and sights - without needing to spend a fortune.
Keep your garden in shape throughout the year, with the help of BuySpares. We stock a range of spare parts and accessories for gardening equipment; and the BuySpares blog is full of handy hints, advice and tips.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mike_J_Younger/2027225
Make sure the time spent in the garden this Easter is time well spent, by carrying out the 10 jobs listed below.
1. Cut the grass to help provide your lawn with the best chance of looking its best throughout the year. For at least the first three mows of the season your blade should not be set lower than 4cms - as this will help prevent your lawn being cut too short and damaged.
As the month goes on, bring the mower blade down to 3cm, and as the summer approaches consider cutting the grass even shorter, but be careful not to go too short as a neat lawn is the focal point of any garden.
If after cutting your grass you've noticed it's in need of some repair, use the Easter weekend as the perfect opportunity to sow new lawn seeds / repair bare patches.
2. Cutting the lawn, laying new grass seed or repairing bold patches isn't the only TLC which you need to show your lawn throughout April. You should also be scarifying your lawn, weeding and feeding it, to give it the best chance of looking luscious throughout the summer.
3. It may not be the most glamorous job to do in the garden, but there's no denying it is important to give your greenhouse a thorough clean before the hot weather sets in. By taking the time to thoroughly clean your greenhouse, you'll provide your plants with an improved growing environment.
4. Perennial weeds can make your flowerbeds and pathways look unattractive and prevent your plants and shrubs from growing.
To remove weeds, use your garden fork to pull the weeds out, and where possible get as close to the roots, to prevent the weeds from coming back. If the weeds hindering your garden are coming from your neighbour's side, dig a trench 18 inches deep and line one side with a polythene barrier, before packing it with stones. This not only deters weeds, but also provides useful drainage in the garden.
5. Dig compost into the soil, as this will help your plants, seeds and shrubs, etc to stand the best chance of growing strong and healthy due to them being able to get the nutrients they require.
Whilst digging in the compost, it also gives you the opportunity to remove any stubborn weeds which may be left behind.
6. Prune any shrubs which have become frost-damaged or have weak growth, as pruning the shrubs will help to encourage a healthy growth, helping to ensure a wall of colour is created throughout your garden.
7. If you planted shrubs or trees last year, now is the time to give them a once over, especially as the wind combined over the winter months is likely to have loosened the soil. If the soil has become loose, make sure you re-firm it and provide the shrubs / trees with a healthy watering.
8. Clean and repair your garden appliances, especially as many will not have been used since last year. Some of the key areas to check on your garden appliances are the blades on your lawnmowers which may need sharpening or replacing if they've become blunt; whilst the spool line on your trimmer may also need replacing.
9. Growing your own fruit and veg is a great way to save money on your shopping bills, whilst also encouraging you to get out into the garden - even when the weather may not be great. Over Easter is the best time to begin planting your vegetables, particularly asparagus, beans, carrots, onions and peppers.
10. Spend the Easter weekend planting your summer bulbs, particularly Dahlias, and annual seeds such as Marigolds. You should also use the time to plant your biennials including pansies and violas.
Carrying out these ten simple tasks over the Easter weekend will give you a great platform to continue the rest of your gardening throughout the summer months, helping your garden to become a wall of colour, scents and sights - without needing to spend a fortune.
Keep your garden in shape throughout the year, with the help of BuySpares. We stock a range of spare parts and accessories for gardening equipment; and the BuySpares blog is full of handy hints, advice and tips.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mike_J_Younger/2027225