Now that Spring is here, it is time to get back out into the garden, and at this time of the year there is a lot to do! If you have a garden that is in real need of a change and a refresh, it may be better to get a professional like this landscapers Gloucester based company phoenix Gardeners landscapers Gloucester in if it is a very big, time consuming job.
For basic maintenance in the spring, here are some of the jobs that you can do yourself in your garden…
Dealing with Weeds
Most gardeners struggle with weeds and long periods of rain can really bring them out in their droves! However, although we often think of many plants as being weeds or being unwanted, in fact many plants like dandelions and nettles are actually very beneficial to the garden and to the wildlife. For plants that are very invasive of course regular weeding is the best way to get rid of these.
Fungal Diseases
Many plants are prone to fungal diseases so in the spring when your garden is getting going with new growth it is important to look out for them. One of the most common and well-known fungal diseases is black spot which is found on roses. You can buy a treatment for this, or it can sometimes be cured simply by removing the leaves with the infection.
Damage from the Winter
When the weather has been bad over the winter there are often things to repair in the garden. Structures in the garden should be checked such as fences, as well as sheds and greenhouses and then repaired if necessary. You may also find damage to smaller items such as plant pots and garden ornaments.
Checking roses for disease in spring
Spring is a good time to look closely at your roses, because several diseases can spread through the air before you notice them. Black spot is one of the most common and affects all kinds of roses. It is a fungus that shows as black or purplish spots on the leaves and can make them drop early.
New strains of black spot appear regularly, so it needs watching throughout the season. The fungus persists as long as the infected leaves remain, and a badly affected plant loses much of its vigour. If you see the signs, deal with them quickly.
Powdery mildew is another problem to look for. It can damage the whole plant, causing yellowing, wilting and discoloured leaves. Bacterial and fungal infections can also attack the roots and lower stems. Regular checks and prompt action will help keep your roses healthy.
Common problems to check for in spring
After the winter, some garden problems need more than routine weeding. Japanese knotweed and bamboo are among the most troublesome plants, because both are hardy and spread quickly. If you spot them, act fast. Roots may need digging out and a barrier put in the soil to stop them spreading, so it is often best left to a specialist.
Keep an eye out for fungal diseases and catch them early. Black spot is common on roses and easy to recognise from the dark patches on the leaves. It can be treated, or you can remove the affected leaves. Blight affects crops such as potatoes, and the first sign is leaves turning brown around the edges.
Winter storms can also leave a lot of damage behind. Check structures such as sheds and greenhouses, paying particular attention to the roofs, which take the brunt of the weather. Clear away dead leaves and other debris blown in by strong winds before starting on the new season’s planting.
