Spring Clean
Guest User
The sun truly came out from hibernation last weekend. With a scorcher spreading across the whole of the country, now is the time to scrub down the decking and bring out the patio furniture! Get on top of your gardening tasks with my 5 top tips that you can do now to freshen up your outdoor space before summer sets in.
1. Remove dead plants
The first step to a clear garden is to remove any dead plants that were left over from winter. It’s imperative that you take this step to get rid of the mulch so that your perennials have space to grow through. Early spring is the time to get ahead with your weeding whilst the ground is still slightly damp.
2. Clean your floors
Cleaning your floors isn’t just for indoors! Hire a professional pressure washer to attack all the grime that has built up on your patio or decking- you’ll save a lot of time and it’s great fun! With one of these machines it is possible to get them looking as good as the day they were laid. To maintain this throughout the summer, a regular brush down with soapy water will do the job.
3. Lawn Care
Chances are your lawn has been ignored since last summer. To make sure you don’t damage it further, follow these steps before you get the lawn mower out.
Rake to remove debris and control thatch. If the thatch is too thick it will block water, air and nutrients getting to the roots. Any patches due to neglect or over use last year will require some over seeding. Lightly fertilise in the spring being careful not to overdo it and encourage weeds. Leave the lawn for a few weeks before your first cut.
4. Add a lick of paint
It’s likely that your fence or shed will have taken a beating this winter, especially with the storms we experienced. Treating the wood will instantly revitalise it and will feel a lot brighter and cleaner.
Remember to clean the wood first using a brush and soapy water to remove any algae build up, and apply a primer. If you have quite a big area to cover, it might be worth buying or hiring a pump or power sprayer which is 5 times faster than the normal method, just make sure you buy the specific paint for this tool!
5. Get potting
Potting some flowers is a budget way to add colour to your garden in an instant. Pansies and Violas will always remind me of my childhood garden and are easy to maintain. Head down to your local garden centre and pick out what is currently blooming so you can enjoy your flowers this weekend!
Crocuses in vintage crockery