The daffodils are blooming, crocus is in flower, and the sun is out. Spring has sprung. OK, you must be quick to actually spot the sun and it hasn't stopped raining for weeks, but the calendar says it's spring and Easter is in the past. So, let's pretend it’s actually glorious outside and celebrate the end of winter.

Spring is of course a wonderful time of year. And for fair-weather gardeners like me it is a chance to get back into the garden. It's also essential that we get back in the garden as despite the wind and rain clouds the grass is growing and if it isn't mowed soon, we won't be able to get anywhere near the flower beds without cutting our way through a forest.

But enough moaning. Spring really is here and we're all excited. But, just in case you're not, here's some reasons why spring really is the best time of year in the garden.

Why spring in the garden is so good

1. Everything Wakes Up

Spring is the season when the garden awakens from its winter slumber. As the temperatures start to rise and the days grow longer, plants that have been dormant over the winter begin to show signs of life. This rebirth is a signal to gardeners that it's time to start tending to their plots again, offering a fresh start and the promise of a new growing season. It's a time of excitement and anticipation, as each day brings new growth and the first hints of green.

This period of awakening is not just about the plants. Garden wildlife also becomes more active, contributing to the ecosystem's health. The buzz of bees and the songs of birds return, adding life and vibrancy to the garden. This resurgence of activity makes spring a magical time to be outdoors, engaging with nature as everything comes back to life.

2. Plant What You Like

Spring offers the perfect conditions for planting a wide range of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. The soil warms up, making it ideal for sowing seeds that would not survive the winter chill. Gardeners can start both cool-season crops, like lettuce and peas, and warm-season favourites, like tomatoes and peppers, by using staggered planting techniques. This diversity not only maximises the garden’s yield but also ensures a continuous harvest throughout the season and into summer.

The milder weather also allows for the direct sowing of many plants outdoors, reducing the need for indoor seed starting. This can be a great time-saver and also makes gardening more accessible to beginners. Moreover, the increasing daylight hours help seedlings grow strong and healthy, setting the stage for a lush, productive garden. Spring planting is truly a cornerstone of the gardening calendar, embodying hope and the anticipation of summer's bounty.

3. The Beauty of Spring Blooms

Spring is synonymous with blooming flowers. From the cheerful yellows of daffodils to the delicate pinks of cherry blossoms, the garden explodes with colour. These early blooms are not just beautiful; they're a vital source of nectar for early pollinators. Watching a garden come alive with colour and activity after the grey of winter can lift the spirits and inspire creativity in garden planning.

This season offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the succession of blooms that starts in spring and continues into summer. Gardeners can take advantage of this by planning their space to include a variety of plants that will flower at different times, ensuring that the garden remains a vibrant oasis for as long as possible. The riot of colour also makes spring the perfect time for taking stock of the garden and planning future plantings to enhance the year-round appeal.

4. Perfect Weather for Gardening

Spring weather, with its mix of mild days and cooler nights, is ideal for many gardening tasks. It's comfortable to work outside for longer periods, making it easier to catch up on maintenance that might have been neglected during the colder months. This includes pruning, dividing perennials, and cleaning up garden beds. The moderate temperatures also help prevent plants from becoming stressed, especially newly planted seedlings that are particularly vulnerable.

This season also provides an excellent window for tackling larger projects, such as building new garden beds or installing water features. With the ground thawed and the weather not yet too hot, physical tasks are less taxing. Plus, getting these projects done in spring means they can be enjoyed throughout the summer, making all the effort well worth it.

5. Easy Peasy Weed Management

Early spring is a critical time for managing weeds. Tackling them before they have a chance to flower and seed can significantly reduce their numbers later in the year. The moist spring soil makes it easier to pull weeds out by the roots, preventing their spread and saving gardeners a lot of hassle in the coming months. This proactive approach to weed control is not only effective but also reduces the need for chemical herbicides.

Keeping on top of weeds in spring also means that plants won’t have to compete for nutrients, water, and light as they start to grow. This can lead to healthier, more vigorous plants that are better able to resist pests and diseases. Plus, a weed-free garden is more aesthetically pleasing, allowing the beauty of your plants to shine through without distraction.

6. Soil is in Prime Condition

After winter, the soil is often in prime condition for planting. The winter moisture helps to break down organic matter, enriching the soil and making it full of nutrients for the new planting season. This natural process creates an ideal environment for seedlings to thrive. Gardeners can also take this time to add compost or other organic matter to further enhance the soil’s fertility, structure, and moisture-holding capacity.

The work done to prepare the soil in spring pays off throughout the growing season. Plants rooted in well-prepared, nutrient-rich soil are more robust, healthier, and more productive. This foundational aspect of gardening is what makes spring so crucial for setting up the garden for success, ensuring that plants have everything they need to grow from the outset.

7. Spring Wakes Us Up Too

There's something about spring that fills gardeners with renewed energy and inspiration. Perhaps it's the longer days, the warmth of the sun, or simply the joy of seeing the garden come back to life. This renewed vigour makes it the perfect time to try new gardening techniques, experiment with different plant varieties, or even redesign garden layouts. The possibilities feel endless, and the optimism of spring encourages creativity and experimentation.

This energy can also lead to community involvement, such as participating in seed swaps, joining gardening clubs, or volunteering in community gardens. Sharing experiences and knowledge with others not only enriches your own gardening journey but also strengthens local communities. Spring, with its sense of renewal and growth, reminds us that gardening is not just about cultivating plants, but also relationships and shared experiences.

8. Water, Water Everywhere

Spring showers provide much of the water needed by growing plants, reducing the need for manual watering. This natural irrigation encourages deep root growth, which is essential for establishing strong, healthy plants. The cooler temperatures also mean less evaporation, ensuring that plants remain hydrated and stress-free.

This not only saves time and effort but also conserves water—a precious resource. Gardeners can take advantage of the season's natural rainfall to establish a garden that's both beautiful and environmentally sustainable. Plus, the reduced need for irrigation makes spring an ideal time for planting water-wise gardens designed to thrive with minimal additional watering throughout the year.

9. What Pests?

Early in the season, pest and disease pressure is often lower, giving plants a better chance to grow strong and healthy without interference. This window provides an opportunity for gardeners to get ahead of potential problems by implementing preventive measures such as crop rotation, proper spacing, and the use of natural predators. Healthy, well-established plants are more resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions later.

This period of relative calm allows gardeners to focus on growth and development rather than pest management, making gardening more enjoyable and less labour-intensive. By taking proactive steps in spring, gardeners can help ensure a productive and healthy garden throughout the growing season.

10. Time For Market

Spring marks the start of garden-related community events and farmers' markets. These gatherings are great for finding unique plant varieties, locally sourced compost, and gardening advice from fellow enthusiasts. They offer a sense of community and connection to the local food system, enriching the gardening experience.

Participating in these events can inspire new garden projects and introduce gardeners to a wider variety of plants and gardening methods. It's also a chance to support local agriculture and artisans, making gardening not just a personal hobby but a way to contribute to the community's sustainability. Spring's return brings with it these opportunities for engagement, learning, and sharing, making it a season of growth in more ways than one.

Your Spring Plants

It’s time to get out into the garden and start planting. Check out our full range of plants and ornamental trees all ready for planting in your garden now,