The Complete Spring Gardening Checklist
As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring emerge, now is the perfect time to prepare your garden. A little effort now will ensure healthy lawns and plants all season long. To help out, we have put together a comprehensive checklist for getting your outdoor space prepped for spring – and with our team’s expert advice and top-quality tools, we hope to make your spring gardening effortless and enjoyable.
1. Cleaning Up Winter’s Remnants
Winter can leave your garden looking tired, with fallen leaves, broken branches, and debris scattered across your outdoor space. Clearing these bits and pieces is the first step to revitalising your garden for spring.
☑ Start by removing dead foliage from flower beds and cutting back any perennials damaged by frost.
☑ For larger areas, tools like leaf blowers are invaluable. We offer a range of handheld and backpack blowers, as well as wheeled vacuums, designed to make this task quicker and more efficient.
☑ And don’t forget hard-to-reach spaces, such as under hedges or in corners – tools with precision attachments, like those from trusted brands, can help you finish the job with ease.
2. Machinery Maintenance
Before getting started, take the time to inspect your garden machinery and ensure everything is working smoothly. After being dormant for the winter months, they may be calling out for a little TLC.
☑ Begin by checking your tools and equipment for any wear or damage. Lawnmowers, trimmers, and other machinery should be cleaned, and their blades inspected for sharpness.
☑ It’s also important to service your machinery regularly to avoid costly breakdowns. Our team of trained mechanics provides comprehensive repair and servicing options for a wide range of garden tools, from walk-behind mowers to ride-ons and handheld equipment.
☑ Don’t overlook the basics, such as checking fuel and oil levels in petrol-powered tools. Old or contaminated fuel can affect performance, while low oil levels risk damaging the engine.
☑ For battery-powered tools, ensure batteries are fully charged and functioning properly.
3. Lawn Care Essentials
Spring is the ideal time to revive your lawn, addressing any damage caused by frost, foot traffic, or heavy rainfall.
☑ Start with scarifying to remove thatch and moss, which can suffocate your grass and prevent nutrients from reaching the soil. Scarifiers make this job straightforward, and we offer both manual and powered options.
☑ Next, aerating the lawn is essential to improve drainage and allow air, water, and fertiliser to penetrate deep into the roots. For compacted soil, consider an aerator to create the necessary perforations.
☑ Once the groundwork is done, feed your lawn with a suitable fertiliser to encourage healthy growth and vibrant colour. We can help with a selection of spreading tools to ensure even application and optimal results.
☑ Don’t forget to check your lawnmower blades! A sharp blade ensures a clean cut, preventing damage to the grass. Our professional blade sharpening services are available to any customers who may need help with this.
4. Preparing Flower Beds
Spring is the time to make the most of your flower beds, setting the foundation for a colourful and healthy growing season.
☑ Start by clearing out weeds and dead plant material, which can harbour pests and disease. Regular weeding keeps your beds looking neat and ensures your plants have access to essential nutrients without competition.
☑ Once the beds are weed-free, turn the soil to aerate it and break up any compacted areas. This allows roots to grow more freely and ensures proper drainage. Adding a layer of compost or organic matter at this stage enriches the soil with nutrients, providing the perfect environment for strong, healthy plants.
☑ For larger beds or compacted soil, using a tiller can save time and effort, from lightweight models for smaller gardens to more robust options for heavy-duty tasks. These machines make quick work of turning soil, even in tough conditions.
☑ If you prefer hand tools, our range of durable and ergonomic options is perfect for precise work like planting or edging. For even greater versatility, our multi-tools allow you to switch between attachments such as weeders, cultivators, and hoes, simplifying every stage of bed preparation.
5. Pruning and Trimming
Pruning and trimming are essential spring tasks to encourage healthy growth and maintain the shape of your trees, hedges, and shrubs. Removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches allows plants to focus their energy on producing new growth, flowers, and fruit. It also improves air circulation and sunlight exposure.
☑ When tackling hedges and shrubs, a high-quality hedge trimmer can save you time and effort. We offer an extensive selection, including corded, cordless, and petrol-powered models from trusted brands like STIHL and Honda. For hard-to-reach areas, consider a long-reach trimmer for precision and ease.
☑ For larger branches or trees, a chainsaw is the perfect tool to make quick work of pruning, whether you choose petrol or battery-powered designs.
☑ For more delicate pruning tasks, such as shaping shrubs or maintaining smaller plants, hand pruners provide excellent control and accuracy.
6. Planting for the New Season
Spring is the perfect time to plant bulbs, annuals, and vegetable seeds, bringing life and colour back to your garden.
☑ Start by choosing the right plants for your space and soil type. Spring favourites like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths can brighten up any garden, while hardy vegetables such as carrots, lettuce, and peas thrive in cooler spring temperatures. Be sure to follow planting depth and spacing guidelines for optimal growth.
☑ High-quality tools make planting easier and more precise. We offer a range of hand tools designed for digging, planting, and cultivating, including durable trowels, spades, and garden forks. These tools are essential for loosening soil, creating planting holes, and gently placing bulbs and seeds.
☑ Adding compost or fertiliser to the planting area can give your bulbs and seeds a nutrient-rich start. A well-prepared bed will support healthy root development and ensure your plants thrive as the weather warms.
Start This Spring With a Clean Slate
Spring is the season of renewal, and at Sims Garden Machinery, we’re here to help you on every step of that journey. With a wide range of premium garden tools, robotic mowers, and expert repair and sharpening services, we have everything you need to create a garden you can be proud of.
Our knowledgeable team is always on hand to provide advice and guidance, and you are always welcome to visit our Stratford-upon-Avon showroom to explore our products and services.
