Marlborough Spring Gardening with Selmes

As winter fades, Marlborough bursts into life, marking the perfect time for early spring gardening. With its temperate climate and fertile soils, Marlborough offers a fantastic opportunity to cultivate your green spaces. Here are essential tasks to get your garden thriving this season.

Soil Preparation

Start by assessing your soil. Early spring is ideal for amending it with organic matter like compost or well-aged manure, which enhances soil structure and boosts nutrients. A soil test can help determine pH and nutrient needs, guiding you in adding lime or sulphur as necessary.

Seed Starting

Spring is prime time for sowing seeds. Plant vegetables like peas, carrots, radishes and lettuce directly in the garden. For frost-sensitive plants like tomatoes, start seeds indoors or in a sheltered spot, giving them a head start before the last frost date, typically around late September.

Disease Control

Early spring is also a great time to prune fruit trees. Remove dead or crossing branches to encourage healthy growth. Check for pests and diseases, addressing any issues before they escalate. Spray fruit trees, ornamentals and roses with a copper spray as a preventative against leaf spots, powdery mildew and leaf curl.

Flowering Plants and Bulbs

If you haven’t yet, plant stunning garden bulbs like dahlias and peonies. For perennials, divide and replant overgrown clumps to rejuvenate them. Consider sowing hardy annuals directly into the garden for a burst of early colour.

Weed Management

As temperatures rise, weeds will emerge. Tackle them early to prevent overgrowth. Hand-pulling is effective for small patches, but for larger areas, use organic mulch like peastraw or compost. This not only suppresses weeds but also retains moisture as the ground warms up.

Wildlife Habitats

Don’t forget about the local wildlife! Early spring is an excellent time to add birdhouses and bee hotels to your garden. These structures will attract beneficial insects and pollinators, which play a crucial role in a healthy ecosystem.

Garden Maintenance

Lastly, take some time to tidy up your garden. Clean up debris, dead leaves, and spent plants from winter. This not only improves aesthetics but also reduces the risk of pests and diseases taking hold in your garden.

Embrace the energy of spring! Visit Selmes Garden Centre today and get everything you need for success in your garden, from helpful advice to healthy plants and soil amendments.

Happy gardening!