What should I be doing in my garden?

If you’ve got a garden and want it looking lovely for spring and summer, now is the time to do the groundwork. Clair Albone from Wickes shares her step-by-step guide to getting it ready for planting

First off, prepare your garden tools – sharpen any blades, oil gardening shears, remove rust build-up and clean all spades, forks, trowels and other tools thoroughly to ensure you don’t accidentally spread bacteria from plant to plant in your garden.

Next, have a general tidy up. Over winter, weeds have had a chance to grow, so now is the time to remove as many as you can, either by hand or with weed killer. Also cut back any old dead growth and remove fallen leaves and other debris from beds and borders, clearing the areas back to bare soil.

That done, it’s time to prepare your soil. In winter, soil tends to become compacted, so rake it to maintain airflow and then add a healthy layer of compost to the top to improve the soil’s texture, nutrient content, and moisture retention. Rake again and water lightly to help it settle and release any air pockets.

Raised beds are an excellent way to grow a wide range of plants, fruits and vegetables – they can help improve drainage and are also much easier to manage. You can either build these yourself or buy online at Wickes.

Finally, complete those maintenance jobs you’ve been putting off and show your garden some love

– you’d be surprised what a lick of paint can do, and don’t be afraid of colour! Before you paint, check fence panels, sheds, gates and decking for any signs of weather damage or decay. Replace any broken panels or structures, and clean fences with a power washer to remove dirt, moss and mildew. Applying a wood treatment will protect your fences.

Now you’re ready to get planting!