How to Become a Better Gardener this Spring

Since we got our allotment back in November I feel like I have been waiting for March for ever. We've cleared the ground and planted fruit trees, canes and rhubarb crowns. The exciting stuff really starts in March when many of our seeds can be planted either indoors or directly into the soil.

In the back garden it's time for the big clean up. Rain and wind has left the garden looking battered and unloved. Soon I will get all all my pots on the patio cleaned out and get them refilled with some blooms to brighten the garden in the months ahead.

Come the spring I also like to sort the borders out. A big weeding session is a must and after that it's time to empty out the compost bin and let all the natural goodness work its magic.

If your outdoor space isn't looking its best at this time of year and you have dreams of something much nicer to look come summer take some tips from today's guest post.

“How did your garden grow last summer? Was it lush, green and flourishing, or was it a little sparser than you'd care to admit? If you're a little more 'black thumbed' than 'green fingered' read up on these tricks and tips for becoming a better gardener this spring…

First, plan your garden and choose your supplier carefully. Before you start planting anything, think about texture and form as you're designing and then choose what you’re going to plant. Check out providers like Bakker to decide what you're going to sow in the borders, decorative pots and patio. A bit of forward thinking will result in a garden that has great colour and fullness!

Second, wrap your head around the four 'Ls' of gardening: loam, light, love and luck. The first quarter refers to the quality of the soil in the garden. The second quarter responsible for producing a good garden is lighting (sunlight, to be precise). The third quarter is the skill, care and attention of the gardener, and the final quarter is a bit of fair weather. Keep these four things in mind if you'd like to improve on the quality of your outdoor space.

Third, get in the garden on a regular basis. Plants need constant care and attention…it's not like reading a book where you can read a few chapters, forget about it for a few months and pick up where you left off! So, develop a habit you can commit to. Alan Titchmarsh recommends that it's, “far better to grow half the amount, but grow it half as well.” So, if you know that daily gardening is unrealistic, set your expectations at a level you can reasonably achieve.

Fourth, use compost. The health of your plants depends on the health of the soil it grows in (as well as getting enough sunlight, air and water). Here's how to make your own compost. When you have a decent amount of it, spread it around the plants to ward off disease and to improve the soil structure of your garden. It will help to restore the earth, and you’re bound to find it helps your garden grow beautifully.

Fifth, pay attention to what's going on. Spend some time exploring your garden as it's growing, looking closely to understand how it changes throughout the seasons. You'll begin to strengthen your grasp on nature’s complex web of flora, fauna, soil and weather, which will help you make informed decisions about what to do when you’re confronted with a challenge.

Finally, bear in mind that we all have to start somewhere. It's gardening that makes you a better garden, which means the one thing you really need is experience! Gardening is one of those passions we learn by doing, which means embarking on a spot of trial and error before you're able crack the magic formula. Remember that this spring is a new season and a fresh opportunity to try something different. Good luck!”

What does your garden look like at this time of year? Have you got gardening plans for the year ahead?