Where to Start

It’s time to give your garden some TLC – follow our guide to get it looking top notch

After the cold winter months, your garden is probably feeling a little lacklustre. So roll up your sleeves and get it looking shipshape with our tips.

Clean up

Give hard areas a thorough sweep, then get rid of weeds and moss using a tool such as the Wolf patio block weed brush, £12.99, Homebase. Next, use a hose to power-wash dirt and grime away. Treat stubborn slimy areas with a scrubbing brush and an organic cleaning product such as Algon Path and Patio cleaner, £9.95 per 2.5ltr, Ethical Superstore.

Update fences

Check your garden’s boundaries for any damaged fence panels or unstable posts and replace them if necessary. Wickes has a good range, from £18 per panel. If your existing fence has faded, add a protective coat such as Shed & Fence Timbercare, from £11.99 per 5ltr, Wickes.

Get weeding

Clear away any dead growth, leaves and debris from your beds. Dig out weeds and prune any straggly shrubs, ensuring that you don’t cut beneath the lowest new leaf growth on each branch.

Sort out your shed

On a dry day, remove everything from your shed, so you can see all of your kit. It’s tempting to use it as a dumping ground, so be ruthless and take unwanted items to the charity shop or tip. While it’s empty, vacuum it, then put everything back neatly. Stock up on zinc tool clips (£1.79 for three, Homebase) and fit them to the wall so you can store tools safely.

Revive furniture

Wipe down your garden furniture with a cloth and a mild detergent, then leave it to dry in the sunshine. For painted metal or wood pieces, gently remove any loose paint flakes using sandpaper or a metal bristled brush, before repainting for a fresh look. Treat wooden pieces with a nourishing oil or stain such as Varda colourless wood stain, £6 per 0.5ltr, Ikea.

Save money – compost your food waste at home and use on your garden. visit getcomposting.com for discounted bins,from £17.98 for a 220Ltr one