Get ready to go for National Garden Day
This month is World Garden Month with many homeowners preparing for the first garden cut of the season and gearing up for National Garden Day.
National Garden Day takes place on 14 April and manufacturer of outdoor and gardening power tools Husqvarna has some tips for those with green fingers. From pruning flower shrubs to getting the lawn prepared, the Husqvarna Ireland expert team including Husqvarna Ireland Tech Expert Andy Walsh, have put together some top tips to ensure that garden and outdoor spaces, big and small are spring summer ready.
Clean up, blow away and rake
Once the soil has started to dry, it’s time to get going with the spring-cleaning. First, use a rake or a leaf blower to remove the layers of leaves that can lead to the grass moulding or decaying. The leaves and leftover organic material are an excellent addition to the compost.
Clear away weeds
Get rid of weeds as early as possible, before the sun gives them energy to grow and cut away withered leaves from cultivated parts of the garden.
Loosen the soil
Soil loosening creates a better-looking flowerbed by making it possible for the oxygen to reach the roots of the plant. Hand tools make do for smaller beds, but if you’re working with larger areas you should use a rotary cultivator. It’s also possible to add a tiller attachment to some of the Husqvarna trimmers, which means one less tool in your garden shed.
Prune the trees
Fruit trees need pruning in order to stay healthy and bear fruit. Pruning should be done during the spring, but be careful not to do it too early as the incisions can dry out if the temperature drops below zero. Note that trees that carry stoned fruits, such as cherry, apricot, plum and peach, should not be pruned in the springtime. Cultivate the soil with a trimmer attachment.
Trim the hedges
Hedges with leaves should preferably be trimmed during the winter or early spring. Conifers are better trimmed during the growing period, once in early spring and once more in the mid-summer.
Mow the lawn
The lawn needs time to recover after winter, so don’t cut the grass too short the first couple of times. A grass-level of 5-9 centimetres makes for a fine, sustainable lawn. Start mowing only after grass has begun to actively grow. Top tip, don’t forget to trim the edges for the perfect finish.
Do a power product inventory
Make sure any gardening equipment is ready for the new season. Clean, use rust remover where necessary, and oil in wooden handles. Does anything need to be repaired or replaced? Charge what needs to be charged and sharpen what needs to be sharpened.
Provide for the birds
If you want to give the birds a home in the garden, now’s the time to put up a nesting box.
Clean the patio
As the weather is brighter, this is the perfect time to clean off the winter weathering off the patio, pavements and concreate areas using a pressure washer, once the patio is clean, you’re ready to take out a chair and enjoy the first warm, sunny day with a nice cup of coffee.
Clean the greenhouse
A greenhouse needs a good thorough cleaning before all the young plants take up residence. Eliminate old debris, clean off shelves, sweep out soil remnants, and wash the clear surfaces so light easily penetrates.