Winter can be harsh on our gardens and outdoor spaces, that’s why spring is a perfect season to do some garden revival. Spring is the most exciting time of the year when the days are longer, the weather is nicer, and nature is waking up. 

However, before nature wakes up completely and your garden is in full bloom, you should give it some TLC. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some tips and tricks for refreshing your outdoor oasis.

Clear out your garden

After a long winter, your garden is probably in shambles. There are tons of dried leaves, debris, and weeds all over the place. 

Remove and clear out your garden to the bare soil. This also includes removing the old mulch. Then, if there are any weeds, you can easily remove them.

Clear out your flower beds, cut down all dry plants that are sticking out, remove dry leaves, and germinate the weeds if you need to.

Prune, prune, prune

Inspect all the trees and shrubs in your garden. There might be some damaged or broken tree limbs that need your immediate attention. Also, check your evergreens to see if everything is alright with them after winter.

Early spring is the perfect time to prune summer flowering trees and shrubs, so use a pair of heavy-duty loppers to cut down everything that has to go. Also don’t forget to prune the shrubs and trees that have finished blooming in spring.

Hoverer, if you have never pruned before, you should know that you can prune only branches that are dead, broken, or running against each other. Never prune more than necessary, or you risk damaging the plant.

Wake up the lawn

Don’t forget to pay some attention to your lawn as well. Winter can be harsh on our lawns as well, and that’s why we should refresh and revive them. 

So, if you see that your lawn is patchy and bare in some spots, spread some grass seeds. Quickly after that start fertilizing the grass.

New grass seeds should be damp, so make sure to water them at least one a day until they start growing. 

Before moving the lawn, allow the new grass to be at least 2 inches tall. If you need to mow the lawn before that, avoid the patches with new grass.

Sharpen your garden tools

Spring is the time to sharpen your gardening tools. The tools have been sitting unused throughout the winter, so it’s most likely that they have gone dull or become rusty. 

So, inspect all your tools, sharpen and oil up those that need some attention. Also, before using your lawn mower, check its blades and if necessary, sharpen the blades and tune up the engine.

While you’re at it, you can also get your shed in order. Organize and reorganize, replenish your supplies, get new tools, and get rid of old ones.

Check and divide your perennials

If you’ve planted perennials last year, you should check on them. Also, if you have large bunches of perennials, spring is the perfect time to divide them and prevent them from crowding each other.

Be careful only to divide perennials that bloom in summer. So, hostas, daisies, daylilies and so on, will benefit from being divided in spring. Perennials that bloom in spring, should be divided in fall. 

In case you’ve lost some of your perennials, replacing them with divisions is a great solution.

Prepare the soil 

Soil tends to get hard and compacted during winter. That’s why preparing and improving the soil in early spring after the frost has lifted is necessary.

Start by turning the soil to loosen it up, then add a layer of compost to it. The compost will nourish the soil and prepare it for planting. If you need to, also add commercial fertilizers.

Prepare new planters and flower beds

Before buying and ordering new plants and flowers, check out your planters and flower beds. Spring is the perfect time to create flower beds, build planter boxes, order new planters, and so on.

It’s important to know what you’re working with before buying plants. It would be sad to give up that beautiful flower you bought just because you don’t have a place to plant it.

Inspect your garden structures

Yet another thing that you should inspect in spring is your garden structures. Check out arbors, trellises, pergolas, gazebos, and other similar structures. If you notice any wear or damage, make sure to address it immediately. 

Repair any damages and ensure that all your garden structures are safe to use. You can also repaint or restain the structures to refresh them.

Check out your garden furniture

If your garden furniture has been left outdoors during the winter, it’s time to check it over. If furniture has been exposed to elements it will likely need some repairs or at least some cleaning. 

Even if it’s been in storage throughout winter, your garden furniture will need some TLC. So, check each piece for weak spots or damage. Check your cushions for holes and tears. All this can be easily repaired and mended, and the spring is the perfect time to do all that.

Do some pressure washing

Your hardscaping must look pretty nasty after the winter months. All the dirt, grime, and moss tend to accumulate on walkways, patios, and decks around your home during winter.

To deal with this problem and clean your hardscaping, you can use a pressure washer. A pressure washer will easily solve all your problems and leave the hardscaping clean and fresh looking. While you’re using your pressure washer you can also clean the exterior of your home, driveway, and garage doors to improve the look of your curb as well.

Conclusion

Cleaning up and refreshing your garden and outdoor space now will save you quite a bit of work later when the garden starts greening and blooming. 

Scope out your garden to check what needs to be done before rolling up your sleeves. Once the spring garden chores are done, you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space for the rest of spring and summer.