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As snowdrops and daffodils signal spring’s approach, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is sharing its top tips on how gardeners can prepare for the upcoming growing season, as well as where to see spring highlights in RHS Gardens.
Spring is a time of hope and renewal and this year flowers including daffodils, hellebores, camellias and plums are blooming earlier, while snowdrops have been both early and more abundant. This ‘early spring’ is due to unusually mild weather in February meaning soil temperatures are above average.
Warmer soil temperatures will promote growth of bulbs, lawns and in the south at least enable early seed sowing for crops such as broad beans, lettuces, onions and peas, assuming the soil is dry enough. While rainfall has not been excessive since the new year clay soils might not be dry enough to work until April, after a particularly wet autumn. In these cases seeds can be sown indoors to plant out later, or cloches and cold frames can be used to speed up drying and raise soil temperatures for early sowing.
There is also plenty to get on with indoors, from sowing seeds - such as tomatoes and chillies - in pots on windowsills, to chitting potatoes and repotting houseplants.
At this time of year it’s important to assess the effects of winter and address any damage in the garden to ensure it is primed for this productive season. While it may be tempting to give the garden a complete spring clean it is worth sparing a thought for wildlife before tidying away all of last year’s growth, as this can still provide valuable shelter for a number of species.
By investing a bit of time and effort now, the stage can be set for a flourishing garden that will provide colour, scent and flavour for months to come.
Here are some of the top tips for gardeners as spring brings gardens back to life:
Signs of early flowering have been reported at all five RHS Gardens, where the following highlights can be enjoyed:
Guy Barter, RHS Chief Horticulturist, said: “Spring marks the start of an exciting time in the garden, with plenty to look forward to. This year mild weather has caused some plants to bloom early, bringing a premature flush of flowers to gardens across the country. After a particularly wet autumn the ground will take longer to dry in some areas, meaning affected gardeners should resist sowing until soils dry out in April to avoid disappointing results. While seeds can be sown indoors there are still plenty of outdoor tasks to get on with, such as mulching perennial plants and pulling up emergent weeds. A bit of patience and careful soil management will pave the way for a successful spring in the garden.”
This story was published on: 14/02/2024
Image attribution: Pexels.com (Free)
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