Spring gardening jobs

Garden bulbs

Sprinkle a balanced fertiliser around your bulbs as they begin to sprout.. DO NOT cut the foliage; let it wither naturally.

Introducing new plants into you garden

Examine new plants carefully. Before you even start digging the hole for a new plant, firstly check its healthy and disease free. You may have done this already if you selected it from a garden center. If you purchase in bulk from nurseries and don't see the actual plant prior to delivery you have to be a little more careful.

Large trees and shrubs can be purchased for instant gratification in the garden, but they are far more expensive than smaller ones that will take a few years to reach maturity. Studies have shown that smaller plants adapt more quickly to new environments and begin growth at a more rapid rate than larger introductions that are closer to maturity. If you must fill an area of your garden immediately, many professionals suggest large plants for immediate screening needs, but smaller ones that can adapt to new growing conditions as most prolific in the long run...and certainly less expensive. Perhaps you could mix both types.

Planting

Perennials can be planted safely as soon as they are available in local garden centers.

When buying balled ask about planting depths. Should it be planted above, at, or slightly below the original planting depth? Most should be planted no deeper, though some should be an inch or two above the soil line as heavy root balls often settle lower. This is contrary to the popular belief that setting it a few inches below is better.

Pruning

Don't cut back spring bloomers such as azaleas and rhododendrons until after they flower. At the proper time cut back summer bloomers by removing all old flower heads, pruning for size and shape. Cut away all dead, injured and diseased branches, crossed branches, and branches that grow at narrow angles to the main trunk.

Prune fruit trees and fertilise at the proper time.

Fertilising your garden As the garden begins to break dormancy, begin fertilising. Ask at a garden center which fertilisers are best for your soils and plant selections. Let them know if you're growing acid-lovers such as azaleas, camellias, and gardenias, or plants that prefer more alkaline conditions.

Your gardening efforts at this time of year will pay off for the whole of the summer.