Spring is here and with lighter nights and warmer weather finally becoming our new norm as the seasons change, you might be wanting to get out in the garden.
After a wet and cold winter, lots of us like to tidy up our gardens and add new plants but some are more suitable for spring than others.
To help you decide which plants to grow and when to water them this spring, Hannah Rowson, gardening expert at seeds and bulb specialists J.Parker’s, has shared her top tips.
What should you plant in spring?
It might be wise to start growing some plants inside or in a greenhouse.
Hannah at J.Parker's says: “Spring is the perfect time for planting summer-flowering bulbs. Some bulbs, such as dahlias for example, may need starting off in a greenhouse or indoors.
“But many bulbs, such as gladioli and lilies can be planted straight into flower beds and containers outdoors. Plenty of seeds such as cabbage and lettuce can also be sown in spring too.”
When should you water your plants in spring?
“In general, if your plant's soil is dry to touch, it's worth giving them a good drink of water. However, throughout spring, there may be a few exceptions”, Hannah says.
She added: “If you've planted spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils, then watering often could do more harm than good. Spring is often a wet season, and it rains more than the sun shines. Since spring bulbs don't like to be in soggy soil, watering them if it's already rained could damage them and stop them from flowering the following year.
“For bulbs, we suggest watering them only if the soil is dry to touch - for example, if it's been quite warm for over a week. This may differ from other plants, though, so double check your growing instructions per plant for watering advice.”
Simple ways to create a wildlife-friendly garden
Recommended reading:
- Flower expert shares 60p hack that makes your flowers last up to 3 weeks longer
- These 5 garden plants could cost you up to £25k off your home's value
- Is it illegal to go into someone's garden to get your football back?
Quick and easy gardening jobs you can do this spring
Hannah says: “Taking the time in spring to prepare your garden for the hotter months will allow you to enjoy your garden to the fullest.”
“Give your borders and flower beds some TLC by getting rid of any large stones (unless they’re there for decorative purposes, of course) and trimming the grass around the border edges to keep it nice and neat.”
Hannah also recommends a handy hack that can prepare your garden for future droughts or hosepipe bans, saying: “Water butts can make all the difference during a dry summer.
“So, invest in one to collect rainwater throughout spring in time for the hotter months. If you’re strapped for space, you can try wall mounted, compact butts instead.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here