How to bring your garden back to life after winter

As the winter bids farewell and the warmth of spring emerges, gardeners eagerly anticipate the revival of their outdoor sanctuaries.

This transition from winter to spring requires careful attention and a little bit of elbow grease to ensure your garden becomes vibrant once again.

Here's a guide to highlight the practical steps to bring your garden back to life after a cold winter.

Assess the damage

Before anything else, assessing the damage is a must. Look for dead or damaged plants, as well as broken branches and any signs of disease.

Clean up and prune

Clear away the debris and trim back any dead or damaged branches. Pruning your perennials will encourage new growth too.

Soil preparation

Loosen the soil with a garden fork to improve aeration. If your soil is compacted, consider adding organic matter like compost to enhance structure and fertility.

Test the soil

Test the soils pH levels and nutrient content. Adjust pH with lime or sulphur if necessary and add organic materials like compost or well-rotted manure to replenish nutrients.

Divide and conquer

Towards springtime, divide and transplant overcrowded perennials. This process revitalises existing plans but also provides opportunity to expand your garden. Be sure to be generous with water and keep an eye on how they’re growing.

Bring in colour

Consider adding varieties that bloom in early spring to kick-start a season-long display of colour.

Mulch matters

Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperate. Organic mulches like bark, straw or compost serve practical purposes but also contribute to soil health.

Water wisely

As temperature rises throughout the year, plants will require more water. Try to be attentive to the watering needs and provide deep and consistent water to encourage strong roots.

Fertilise thoughtfully

Choose a formulation that aligns with your plants needs and give your plants a nutrient boost with balanced fertiliser.

Pest patrol

Keep an eye out for early signs of pests and address them promptly to avoid damage to your plants.