Days are becoming longer, temperatures are rising and nature is showing new signs of life. It is spring, and many are looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors and shake off the lazy winter days.

Fortunately, we don’t have to look far for inspiration. More than four out of five Australians have their own gardens, making gardening an easy and accessible activity with many physical and mental health benefits. Not only will regular gardening give you a good workout, it also promotes stress relief, provides a natural dose of vitamin D and keeps minds happy.

It is easy to see that the mild days of spring are ideal for spending time outside and renewing your little patch of nature. To get you started, here are our top ten favourite spring gardening tips:

1. Clear up the garden


Out with the old, and in with the new. Start afresh in the garden by tidying up the lawns, flower beds and borders. Remove dead leaves and trim the hedges. Also cut away any dead branches and plants, and remove weeds that have been growing over the winter.


2. Mulch


A layer of mulch protects the soil surface from exposure to sunlight and air. This keeps the ground cooler and helps retain moisture. Mulching is especially important in areas with dry springs and summers. There are many types of organic matter that can be used as mulch. This includes bark, grass clippings and compost.


3. Feed the garden


Once the garden is clear and mulched, you should prepare the ground and lawn for optimum plant growth. The simplest way to renew your garden is by feeding it with a good dose of quality fertiliser. This will be absorbed by the growing roots to boost the growth of the plants. The fertiliser also encourages plants to flower. In a vegetable garden it will aid in producing better quality produce.


4. Plant flowers


Many gardeners love flowers for the colour and variety they add to gardens, but these plants also play a crucial role in the ecosystem by attracting bees and other good bugs. Some flowers are annuals and have to be replanted yearly, but many prefer perennials as they live for more than two years and will flower yearly. Perennials respond well to the warmer soil and longer exposure to sunshine during spring. Agapanthus, Clivias and Irises are species that are popular in Australian gardens.


5. Create a spring vegetable garden


Growing vegetables, or horticulture, is becoming increasingly popular as many Australians are striving to live a healthy, sustainable life. This type of gardening is especially rewarding as it has the added benefit of providing fresh, organic fruit and vegetables to the growers. Vegetables like tomatoes, beans, eggplants, zucchini and capsicum grow well in spring. If you want to grow fruits then this is the time to plant watermelon, rock melon, strawberries and rhubarb. Seeds grow faster and stronger if you soak them overnight, before planting them in warm, fertilised soil. For the best results, plant seedlings or seeds in raised garden beds and feed the plants regularly with plant food.


6. Plant a herb garden


Herbs make fragrant, tasty and beautiful additions to many dishes. Here are some of the popular herbs that grow well during spring time:



• Parsley


• Chives


• Basil


• Coriander


• Dill



If you have more fresh herbs available than you can use, then dry them by hanging small bunches of herbs upside down in a warm and well-ventilated area.


7. Change the layout of your garden


Is your garden flat and uninspiring? Or are you looking for ways to add a new flower bed or vegetable garden? A simple change in the garden layout can open up a variety of opportunities in your garden. If you have a big lawn you may want to divide it and create space for a new patch of veggies. If your outdoor area is very small, a vertical garden can provide the pleasures and benefits of gardening, without taking up precious space.


8. Add more light


By adding creative lighting to your garden you will be able to enjoy the space long after the sun has set. Solar lights are affordable and easy to install for lighting solutions throughout the garden. There’s also a large variety of other lighting features, from fairy lights to path lights, which you can use to enhance your garden at night.


9. Add a water feature


Water adds a calm atmosphere to a garden and aids in disguising outside noise. A water feature also makes a beautiful focus point. You can add something as small as a bird bath, a fountain or even a big swimming pool - all depending on your budget, time and preferences.


10. Sit back and relax


There is nothing better than to sit back and enjoy your beautiful garden after a day’s work. You may want to consider creating an outdoor space with a comfortable outdoor couch or dining set, where you can relax and entertain guests. The options are endless and can be as simple as putting a bench in your favourite spot in the garden, or creating a small entertainment area where you can barbecue, eat and socialise during the warmer days and evenings.

These tips are just some of the ways in which you can improve and enjoy your garden during spring.