Spring is just around the corner, and that means the chance to get outside, enjoy the outdoors and even get your fingers a little green. Not everyone’s garden has made it through winter, however, and sometimes a little lawn repair is in order before you start throwing the seeds around…

Thankfully, there’s an abundance of different hacks, tips and methods you can adopt to get the outdoor spaces of your home looking fresh and ready for the season ahead. Here are 10 easy ways to repair your neglected garden that even beginners can try their hands at.

Make way, make way

If you’re thinking about embracing a little flower power this year, it’s important to note that a common error is not allowing enough space between plants for optimal growth. The correct amount of spacing varies for plants of different sizes and species, but a little research goes a long way in making sure they’re a healthy distance from each other. Besides, nothing is more satisfying than watching plants and flowers grow over a once-neglected garden!

A nice soak

Before you go sticking your plants in the ground, try giving their roots a soak. Again, the actual amount of time you should spend soaking a plant’s roots depends on its size and species, but this is a great way to provide a growth boost. And, of course, it also means a much greater chance of having a luscious garden, not one that struggles to make it through spring and needs more heavy-duty work next year!

Keep calm and compost

Using compost instead of dirt has many advantages when it comes to maintaining your garden and reducing the need for future repair. Not only does it help plants and vegetables grow, but it also helps to suppress weeds and reduce the need to water quite so regularly. This means more healthy plants and less struggling ones that need nursing or replacing.

Can you put a tag on that?

Label, label, label. Sometimes gardens fail and need fixing up because they haven’t been given the attention to detail that they need. As different plants, vegetables and flowers need different kinds of treatment (such as how often to water them and how much water to use), labelling them is a sure way to make sure every corner of your garden gets the TLC that it deserves to help it thrive and flourish.

Under pressure

Moving away from all things floral for a moment, countless gardeners utilise stone or wood in one way or another. Unfortunately, winter can be harsh on your outdoor paving or patio, and cleaning them in the cold isn’t exactly a barrel of laughs either. If you’re wanting to get your stonework or woodwork looking as good as new again, a pressure washer can work wonders in blasting the filth and grime away. It also gets rid of the need to climb down onto your hands and knees for a lengthy scrubbing, which is always a bonus!

Save your grass

Dead or marred patches of grass can be a real eyesore, but fortunately, they’re not nearly as difficult to repair as you might imagine. A handful of seed or a patch of fresh turf can be a godsend. And, while there are a few different ways to repair your grass depending on the extent of the damage, you’ll be pleased to know that none of them are particularly strenuous or challenging.

The more you mow

The importance of keeping up your mow game cannot be overstated. Mowing your grass regularly keeps it healthier, allows it to grow thicker and provides a more colourful and vibrant look to your garden. It also reduces weed growth and makes the grass more resilient in general, resulting in less damage in the future.

No need for weeds

Speaking of weeds, well… they’re just a nightmare, aren’t they? Popping up all over the place, never giving your garden a moment’s peace. While weeds are a scourge for any and all gardeners, getting rid of them is worth the hassle. Nobody likes getting down and dirty to dig up these pesky growths, but you’ll be glad you did when they’re no longer marring your beautiful garden.

Don’t be dirty

While floral and grassy gardens are certainly stunning when they’re well maintained, some of us simply don’t have time for the upkeep. Well, no grass, no problem. Using stone, rock and pebbles in place of greenery is hardly uncommon, and you can still get creative with your garden in the absence of flowers and all things that grow. From gnomes to gargoyles, from paths to benches, a grassless garden doesn’t mean a sub-par one. Quite the opposite, in fact, if you have a creative streak!

Try something new

Ultimately, the main reason gardens often need repairing is because we neglect them to begin with. Why? Quite simply, we don’t always use them. Trying something new with your garden, such as growing vegetables or nursing a flowerbed, can be a great way to turn gardening into a regular hobby. As such, you’ll spend more time outdoors getting your hands dirty, and it’ll feel like a fun pastime instead of a chore. Giving yourself a reason to be in your garden more often will help you maintain it, keep it fresh and enjoy the fruits of your labours. Enjoy!

Thank you for taking the time to read our 10 easy ways to repair your neglected garden. On the topic of keeping gardening fun and interesting, have you taken a look at our blog on 10 ways gardening can boost your mood? If that doesn’t make you feel enthused about getting green fingers, we don’t know what will!

Tags: Gardening, Gardening Advice, Spring, Spring Tips