How to prepare your flowerbeds for spring

To prepare your flowerbeds for a symphony of spring colour, it’s essential to lay the groundwork.

Materials you will need:

Compost
Fertiliser
Fork
Spade
Gloves
Mulch
Rake

Soil preparation is key to a successful garden, and compost is an essential component of healthy soil. Work the compost into the soil with a garden fork, remove any unwanted plants, rocks and stones and dig the soil over to a depth of at least 30 centimetres.

Step 1: Fertiliser

Remove winter mulch or, if well composted, work into the top layer of the soil. Add some leaf mold or well-rotted manure as it enriches the soil with nutrients.

Step 2: Compost

Add compost to the borders and beds.

Step 3: Mulch

Mulching will help your seedlings grow and your transplants to establish themselves, as the soil in which they are growing is kept moist. It improves water retention in the soil and protects the roots from the summer heat (or winter cold). Shredded newspaper, bark or a thick layer of compost will do the trick.

It’s important to examine the soil in your garden to determine if it’s clay, sandy or loam. Some plants grow in all types of soil, but others are fussier.

Top Tip : Each garden has its own microclimate. Some plants are more adapted to cold conditions and frost, while others prefer a warm climate. Select plants that are adapted to your rainfall patterns to reduce your watering time.

Hint: Earthworms keep soil light and soft, allowing water to reach down through the top layer into the root system below.