With the weather improving and Spring imminent now is the time to start preparing your Lawns and Gardens for the upcoming season. Our local areas of Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah and South to Pottsville are known for their agreeable temperatures in Spring, with temperatures ranging between 18 to 24 degrees. However, with experts predicting higher than normal temperatures and lower rainfall, our lawns and gardens are going to need extra love and attention this spring, if we want them to flourish during the summer.
Therefore, here is what we recommend you do.
Gardens
Commence in your gardens by removing fallen leaves, sticks, and other debris that might have accumulated over the winter. This helps prevent pests and diseases from finding shelter and gives your plants a fresh start.
Have a good look at your plants and trim away any dead or diseased looking branches to encourage healthy growth. Remember proper pruning promotes better air circulation and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to fungal issues.
Apply a layer of mulch around plants and trees to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain more stable soil temperatures. Organic mulches, such as wood chips or straw, also break down over time, enriching the soil. If you are not fortunate enough to have a garden to resurrect, now might be the time to introduce new plants or transplant existing ones. Native plants that thrive in our climate are a great way to go e.g., Grevillia or Bottle brush, as they provide nectar and pollen that welcome pollinators like bees, birds and butterflies into your garden. Pay attention to your planting depth and spacing, and water thoroughly after planting will help them establish their roots. (a handy little tip is to add a squirt of dishwashing liquid to your watering can when watering your new plants in as it works as a great wetting agent)
Lawns
The forecast is for another long hot summer and therefore our lawns are going to need extra love and attention this spring.
Coring or aerating are the best ways to alleviate soil compaction within your lawn. This improves water and nutrient absorption for stronger grass growth. You may want to overseed bare patches with an appropriate lawn seed to fill in those unwanted bare patches you may have.
Fertilize both your lawns and gardens with specific balanced fertilizers and commence a watering routine accordingly. When watering your lawns, the recommendation is always to water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
Early morning are the best time to water, as it minimizes evaporation and gives plants and grass a chance to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day.
Once you notice the grass is starting to grow, you should gradually lower your mowing height. However, as with everything in our gardens, there is a process for this as well, as we need to avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height in a single mowing to prevent stress.
In summary, Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and your lawn and garden deserve your thoughtful attention. Hopefully following a few of these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a vibrant outdoor oasis that brings beauty and joy throughout the season.
Remember, the key to successful spring lawn and garden maintenance is patience and consistent effort – the rewards will be evident in the stunning display of nature’s wonders in your own backyard.