Spring is the ideal time to bring the garden back to life. By cleaning up, amending the soil and planning your plantings, you make regrowth easier and keep an immaculate outdoor space all season long.
01
QUICK ANSWER
Clear away leaves and branches, then level the soil.
Amend (compost, manure, peat) and aerate the soil.
Plan the positions (sun/shade) and prepare the planting rows.
Check tools and watering before the first sowings.
02
GENERAL CLEAN-UP
WHY CLEAN UP FIRST
Removing debris and leaves promotes soil aeration and limits diseases and weeds before regrowth.
Spade
Rake
Hoe
Leaf blower
03
AMEND THE SOIL
Improve the structure, water retention and nutrient availability with compost, manure, peat or wood-chip mulch, then work the soil with the right tools.
Spade
Mixing in and adding organic matter.
Hoe
Loosening the topsoil.
Digging fork
Aerating the soil at depth.
Rake
Levelling the soil after amending.
Tiller
Working large areas.
04
PLAN THE PLANTINGS
1
Map out the plot
Identify the sun and shade areas as well as the soil types.
2
Choose the species
Select varieties suited to each exposure and to your soil.
3
Set the schedule
Stagger sowings and plantings according to the frost risks in your region.
4
Open the rows
Trace the planting rows with a cultivator and a spade, then level the beds.
05
PREPARE THE TOOLS
Clean
Remove mud and rust using cloths.
Sharpen
Restore the edge of blades and cutters.
Lubricate
Oil the moving parts to prevent seizing.
Repair
Replace or re-glue damaged handles and parts before the season.
06
PLAN THE IRRIGATION
Check hoses and fittings for leaks.
Clean drippers and sprinklers, then test the flow.
Schedule the watering using a timer.
Plan for a garden hose suited to the size of the garden.
07
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
GLOVES
Protect your hands from tools and thorns.
GOGGLES
Protect your eyes from flying debris.
CLOSED SHOES
Stable footing and tools unplugged for maintenance.
08
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should I start sowing in the garden?
After the last local frosts (check the regional calendar). When in doubt, start under cover.
Compost or manure: which to choose?
Compost improves structure; (well-rotted) manure is richer. A moderate mix of the two works very well.
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