With a cold but sunny weekend ahead in the East Riding, it’s the perfect time to get outside and tackle some essential gardening jobs. Early spring is a busy period in the garden, and a bit of effort now will pay off in the months to come. Here’s a practical guide to what you can do this weekend to get your garden in top shape.
1. Prepare Beds and Borders
The soil in the East Riding is finally starting to warm up, but after a wet winter, it may be compacted and lacking nutrients. Now’s the time to clear any dead plant material, remove weeds, and work in some well-rotted manure or compost to enrich the soil. Avoid walking on damp beds—use a plank to distribute weight and prevent compaction.
2. Start Planting Hardy Vegetables
With cold but dry weather expected, it’s safe to sow hardy veg directly into the soil. Carrots, onions, parsnips, and broad beans can go in now, while potatoes can be chitted indoors for planting in a few weeks. If you have a greenhouse or cold frame, you can also start off lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers in trays.
3. Prune and Tidy Shrubs
Early-flowering shrubs like winter jasmine and dogwood will soon be finishing their display—pruning them now keeps them tidy and encourages strong growth for next year. It’s also a good time to cut back ornamental grasses and perennials before new growth takes off. Roses benefit from a final prune this month to remove any weak or crossing stems.
4. Lawn Maintenance – But Go Steady
If your lawn is still soggy from winter rains, avoid mowing just yet. However, you can rake away moss and thatch and apply a spring feed to help strengthen grass ahead of the growing season. If the ground is firm enough, lightly aerate compacted areas with a fork.
5. Protect New Growth from Frost
While the days will be bright, overnight frosts are still likely, especially in rural parts of the East Riding. If you have early shoots appearing, cover tender plants with fleece or cloches at night. Watch out for delicate new buds on hydrangeas, as these can be damaged by unexpected cold snaps.
6. Give Containers and Pots a Refresh
If your garden is short on colour, brighten up pots and planters with early spring flowers like primroses, pansies, and violas. With a few sunny days ahead, it’s also a good opportunity to wash out old pots, refresh compost, and check drainage holes before replanting.
7. Encourage Wildlife
Birds and pollinators are starting to become more active, so it’s worth cleaning and topping up bird feeders and putting out fresh water. If you’re cutting back hedges, check for early nesting birds first. Leaving a corner of your garden wild will help attract insects and support local wildlife as temperatures rise.
8. Clean Paths and Patios
A few hours of sun this weekend means it’s ideal for giving your patio and pathways a clean. Moss and algae can make surfaces slippery, so a stiff brush or pressure washer will freshen things up before outdoor furniture comes back out for spring.
9. Get Your Garden Tools Ready
Before things get too busy, take a moment to sharpen secateurs, oil shears, and check the lawnmower. A little maintenance now will save time when growth really kicks in next month.
10. Pop to a Local Garden Centre
If you need supplies or inspiration, local garden centres like Coletta & Tyson in Woodmansey, Langlands in Shiptonthorpe, or Southwood Garden Centre near Cottingham are great places to stock up on compost, seeds, and early plants
With a cold but bright weekend ahead, there’s plenty that can be done to get your garden ready for spring. Whether you’re prepping soil, protecting plants, or just tidying up, getting out in the fresh air will set you up for a productive growing season.
Will you be tackling any garden jobs this weekend? Let us know what’s on your to-do list.