Can You Start Preparing The Ground For Your Spring Garden Now?

*This is a collaborative post.

As the winter turns to its mid to latter stages, many homeowners in the UK are looking forward to the return of warmer weather, however and whenever that comes, and the bloom it often inspires in their green spaces.

Yet while you might have had a good time restoring your property and fixing some of the damage of the colder seasons (such as clearing out your gutting or fixing water pooling), you may also wonder just what you can do for your garden at this time.

If you’re otherwise interested in caring for your garden but have had to stay inside during the colder months, or are getting to grips with a new household and a new lovely green space, it’s not always clear what your options should be.

But in this post, we think a few gentle suggestions could help you prepare for your spring and summer efforts. Just makes sure you wrap up warm and be mindful of any ice as you manoeuvre this area!

Plan Your Garden Layout

Winter is a great time to dream about what your garden could look like, so don’t feel silly for having some fun with your imagination! Without the distraction of blooming plants, you can focus on the bones of your outdoor space, so that’s a good opportunity. Just think about what you’d like to achieve in the coming seasons. 

For example, are there areas you want to clear for planting or a spot that could use a seating area? Sketching a rough layout can help, even if it’s just in an old notebook. This is also the time to think about adding new features, like raised beds, pathways, or even decorative items. Don’t think you have to have the full image now, as some of the best garden renovations come from an emotion that you want to explore in the space, the way nature speaks to you is valid and worth experimenting with.

Tidy Up & Prepare the Soil

While it might not be planting season just yet, and you have the seeds already raring to go, a little prep work is worth your time. You can always start by clearing away debris such as fallen branches, old leaves, and any leftover plant matter from last year. That effort can keep your garden looking tidy but also helps prevent pests. 

A good winter task is to dig in some well-rotted compost or manure, improving the soil’s structure and fertility as the warm weather returns. If you’re not sure about your soil type, consider testing it to see if it’s acidic, alkaline, or somewhere in between too, consider this “intelligence gathering” for when you come into the spring garden, as it will help you choose the right plants and amendments later. Preparing your garden bed now means your soil will be ready and welcoming when it’s time to sow.

Add Structural Features

Winter doesn’t mean your garden has to look lifeless, of course, and you get to have fun now no matter what anyone says. For instance, you might think about planting evergreen shrubs or winter-flowering plants like hellebores or snowdrops, which can add some much-needed colour to a dreary landscape and inspire you to invest in this space again.

Or, perhaps you can think about where you’ll install that feeder or mark the property lines for fencing you hope to install before you bring a new puppy home in a month or two. This way, you can ensure you’ve injected a touch of life and functionality before the real work begins.

With this advice, we hope you can start preparing the ground for your spring garden now, even if we’re not quite there yet.