Green-fingered Brits are starting to revamp their gardens for the new season as temperatures rise and the days lengthen after a harsh, wet winter.
And Beechgrove Garden star George Anderson, 80, has revealed his 10 simple tips for reclaiming your outdoor space after months of battering at the hands of rain, snow and freezing cold.
The freezing months would have made the soil work very hard, especially in George’s native Scotland, but if not looked after, the soil will be of little use for what you plant, so it’s good to start while you can.
speaking to SunThe 19-year-old presenter gave advice such as digging what you can and being careful on frosty mornings.
Here, FEMAIL lists their crucial tips for staying on top of your bushes…
George Anderson, 80, has given 10 top tips for getting your outdoor haven back on track as temperatures rise and gardeners return to their posts.
Dig when you can
The BBC favorite encouraged gardeners to scoop up the soil as soon as possible, because if the soil is simply wet, it won’t be able to warm up in the sun like it does once you’ve turned it up.
George said the signal to then start sowing is when you see the first weeds germinate, as this indicates that the soil has warmed to the desired temperature.
First in your order of crops to sow are parsnips, as they take longer to germinate, and then things like peas and beans.
When the weather gets even warmer, you can plant carrots and cauliflower.
Be careful with frost
George warned of “false spring” as we could drift into a few warm days, only to be plunged back into a cold snap.
Scotland can still experience frost until May, so if you’re planting seedlings in the coming months you should get ahead of the game by wrapping them in horticultural fleece just in case.
The BBC favorite’s first tip was to dig up the soil as soon as possible to allow it to warm up properly in the coming weeks. Stock image used
A cold night can ruin all your previous hard work if you leave the seeds unprotected.
Trim bushes
In April, George recommends limited pruning in favor of light trimming to shape the bushes.
“Everyone goes crazy with their scissors and then wonders why their fuchsia never bloomed,” he said. Sun. ‘It’s because you cut off all the buds!’
Plan carefully
The 80-year-old advised sitting in his garden once a week to simply look at the space and imagine different things he could do with it.
While all gardeners enjoy working in their outdoor haven, you also want to take the time to take it all in, especially as the weeks go by and the weather improves.
revive your flowers
For flowers established in borders, the gardening expert recommended cutting them an inch above ground level and forking them.
Then, feed the flowers with a balanced fertilizer and plant food to make up for all the nutrients lost over the winter, and the flowers will grow back for the next cycle.
George even suggested breaking up larger clumps of flowers with a spade and giving them to friends to avoid overcrowding their own borders.
Start shredding
“This is the time to buy mulch,” George told the outlet, as it avoids having to water the plants much later in the year.
He recommended a spent mushroom compost, which can be purchased in bulk cheaply, or shredded farm manure.
This prevents moisture from evaporating from the soil to give plants a good start.
Encourage insects
George reminded readers to allow their lawn and garden to have a life of their own, including leaving room for wildlife, particularly insects, to thrive.
A healthy ecosystem that supports your garden will allow it to thrive. Without insects like bees, but also other bugs, nothing would grow.
George insisted that he does not use chemical sprays such as pesticides on any of his plants, in his orchard or garden. Stock image used
Let the wasps be
This acceptance of insects even extends to wasps.
Wasps can be helpful to gardeners by eating pests such as aphids, greenflies and caterpillars.
You can leave itchy irritants off until fall if absolutely necessary, the Beechgrove Garden host recommended.
Stay away from chemicals
George insisted that he does not use chemical sprays such as pesticides on any of his plants, in his orchard or garden.
If you encounter some aphids (if the wasps don’t keep them at bay), use a generally harmless soap solution to get rid of them.
He added: “You are a gardener; there is no need to engage in chemical warfare.”
Another solution George mentioned was placing aluminum foil at the base of the plants to reflect light, deterring insects from their hiding place.
keep it fresh
Lastly, the presenter recommended going to a garden center once a month and getting something that is in bloom.
This will make you “the envy of your friends and neighbors” as your garden is constantly in bloom.
George concluded: “Good luck to everyone next season.”