Spring is one of the best times of year to get back into the garden. As the days become warmer and longer, plants begin to wake up from their winter dormancy, making it the perfect opportunity to prepare your garden, plant something new and get your outdoor space ready for the warmer months ahead.
Whether you have a large backyard, a compact courtyard or a few garden beds, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the spring growing season.
Here are some simple spring gardening tips, including some of the best plants to get started with.
1. Give Your Garden A Spring Clean
Before planting anything new, start with a good garden tidy-up.
Remove fallen leaves, weeds, dead foliage and any branches that may have accumulated over winter. Clearing away old plant material gives your garden a cleaner appearance and makes it easier to see which areas need some attention.
It’s also a good time to tidy garden edging, pathways and other outdoor areas before your garden starts growing rapidly.
2. Prepare Your Soil
Healthy soil is one of the foundations of a thriving garden.
After winter, your soil may benefit from some extra nutrients before you begin planting. Break up compacted soil and add compost or a suitable soil improver to help improve its structure and provide plants with the nutrients they need.
If you're working with raised garden beds, spring is also a great time to top them up with fresh soil and compost before planting your new season crops.
3. What Should You Plant In Spring?
One of the best things about spring is the variety of plants you can get started with.
While the ideal planting time can vary depending on where you live in Australia, spring is generally a great time to introduce a combination of vegetables, herbs, flowers and flowering plants to your garden.
Vegetables
If you're looking to grow your own vegetables, consider planting:
- Tomatoes
- Capsicums
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Beans
- Carrots
- Beetroot
- Lettuce
- Spring onions
Tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers and beans are particularly well suited to the warmer conditions that arrive as spring progresses. Make sure you consider your local climate and the amount of sunlight your garden receives when deciding what to plant.
Herbs
Spring is also a great time to start a herb garden.
Basil, coriander, parsley, chives, mint, rosemary and thyme can all make useful additions to your garden. Growing herbs in pots or a dedicated garden bed can make them easy to access when you're cooking.
If you have limited space, a small raised garden bed can be a practical way to create a dedicated herb-growing area.
Flowers
Want to add some colour to your garden? Spring is the perfect time to introduce flowering plants.
Consider planting:
- Marigolds
- Petunias
- Geraniums
- Lavender
- Snapdragons
- Zinnias
- Cosmos
- Sunflowers
Combining different colours, heights and textures can help create a garden that looks interesting throughout the season.
Tip: Before purchasing plants, check the recommended planting time for your specific region, as Australia's climate varies significantly from state to state.
4. Get Weeds Under Control
Spring is a great time for plants to grow, unfortunately, that includes weeds.
Walk through your garden regularly and remove weeds before they have a chance to establish themselves and compete with your plants for water, sunlight and nutrients.
Getting on top of weeds early can save you plenty of time later in the season.
5. Consider Raised Garden Beds
If you're looking to make gardening a little easier, raised garden beds can be a great addition to your backyard.
They create a dedicated growing area for vegetables, herbs and flowers while helping you organise different plants. They can also be particularly useful when you're working with limited garden space.
Position your garden bed somewhere that receives the appropriate amount of sunlight for what you intend to grow, and make sure it is easy to access for watering and maintenance.
6. Add Mulch To Your Garden Beds
Once your plants are established, consider adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds.
Mulch can help retain moisture in the soil, reduce weed growth and give garden beds a neat, finished appearance. It can also help protect the soil as temperatures begin to rise.
Choose a mulch that is suitable for your plants and follow the recommended application instructions.
7. Check Your Watering Setup
As the weather warms up, your plants will generally need more water.
Check your garden hose, watering cans and irrigation system before the hotter months arrive. Look for leaks or damaged fittings and make sure water is reaching the areas where your plants need it most.
Watering in the morning or late afternoon can also help reduce water loss from evaporation.
8. Give Your Garden Tools Some Attention
Spring gardening is much easier when your tools are ready to go.
Clean any tools that have been sitting unused over winter and check that secateurs, spades, rakes and other equipment are in good condition. Sharpen pruning tools where necessary and replace anything that is damaged.
It's also worth creating a dedicated place to store your gardening equipment so everything is easy to find when you need it.
9. Create A Dedicated Garden Storage Area
From gardening tools and potting mix to fertiliser, hoses and outdoor equipment, gardens can quickly accumulate items that need somewhere to live.
A garden shed can provide a practical storage solution while helping keep your garage, patio and outdoor areas organised.
When choosing a shed, think about what you need to store now as well as what you might want to store in the future. A little extra space can be useful as your gardening hobby grows.
10. Make Time To Enjoy Your Garden
Spring gardening isn't only about maintenance. It's also about creating an outdoor space you enjoy spending time in.
Once your garden is looking its best, think about how you can make the surrounding area more inviting. Comfortable outdoor furniture, an entertaining area or some screening can help turn your garden into an extension of your home.
Whether you're growing vegetables, planting colourful flowers or simply enjoying a morning coffee outside, spring is the perfect time to make the most of your backyard.
Get Your Garden Growing This Spring
Spring is a great opportunity to give your garden a fresh start. From preparing your soil and planting vegetables to adding colourful flowers and creating better storage, a few simple projects can make a big difference.
With the right preparation, you can create a garden that looks great and continues to provide plenty to enjoy as the warmer months arrive.
Ready to get growing? Explore Stratco's range of garden beds, sheds and outdoor products to help bring your next gardening project to life. Visit your local Stratco store to have a chat about gardening in spring or call our team on 1300 165 165.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spring is a great time to plant a range of vegetables, herbs and flowers, including tomatoes, capsicums, cucumbers, zucchini, beans, lettuce, basil, parsley, marigolds, petunias and sunflowers. The best choices will depend on your local climate, so check the recommended planting times for your area.
Start by removing weeds, fallen leaves and dead foliage, then improve your soil with compost or a suitable soil improver. Check your watering equipment, refresh garden beds and plan what you would like to plant before the growing season gets underway.
Raised garden beds can be a practical option for growing vegetables, herbs and flowers. They create a dedicated growing area and can be particularly useful when space is limited or you want to separate different types of plants.
Watering requirements vary depending on your plants, soil and local weather conditions. As temperatures increase, monitor your garden regularly and water when plants and soil indicate they need it. Watering in the morning or late afternoon can help reduce evaporation.
Mulching can be done after planting and once your garden beds are prepared. A layer of suitable mulch can help retain moisture, reduce weed growth and protect the soil as temperatures begin to rise.