3 days Ago By Danielle Kate Wroe
As the weather is warmer, your mind may wander to your outdoor space - and if you want it looking gorgeous by summertime, you’ll need to put a bit of effort in now. Michael, who posts on TikTok as @themediterraneangardener, shared that there are tasks to do now. With the recommendations of ‘No Mow May,’ many may be hesitant to make the first cut on their lawn—but he said you can.
It’s a good time to consider it as well, as after all the winter growth, your garden is likely resembling an overgrown jungle. He said: “Now is the perfect time to start cutting your lawn again but remember to not cut too low, around 4cm is perfect”. This shouldn’t take long, and will make your grass look instantly better.
He also recommended that you “aerate, scarify, level, and lay seed to repair dead patches”. If you have hydrangeas in your garden, it’s a good time to “prune” them “making sure you’re pruning in the correct way for the type that you have”. Also, Michael recommended you “unsheath your bananas and other exotics” and “protect the new shoots of vulnerable plants like delphinias, hostas, and lupins from slugs and snails”.
If you have any perennials “in the wrong place,” then Michael said it’s the “perfect time to move” them. He also said: “While you’re there, you can divide them to get new plants to fill your borders”. You can also “give everything a good mulch” to “suppress weeds and improve the soil” and “start sewing hardy annuals and sunflowers”.
If you have rainwater collection in your garden as well, it’s important to “check your guttering” so if there are any April showers, they’re being collected. General maintenance is important, such as cleaning and repairing garden tools, clearing paths, tidying beds, and checking fences and trellises for repairs after winter damage. Setting up compost bins or replenishing mulch helps prepare the soil for the growing season while also providing long-term benefits.
Attention should be given to pests as they start appearing more frequently, with natural deterrents or physical barriers set up to protect plants. April is a great time to enjoy your garden and plan your layout for the months ahead, making any adjustments to maximize space and colour during the summer blooming season..
