After winter, the garden slowly starts to wake up again. Early spring is a good time to walk around the garden and see what needs attention before growth really begins.
Start with a simple tidy-up
Remove broken stems, old leaves and other winter debris where necessary. There is no need to make the garden perfectly tidy. A little organic material is useful for the soil and for insects, but paths, borders and working areas can be cleared.
Look at the soil
If the ground is very wet, wait before working it. Walking and digging on wet soil can damage its structure. When conditions improve, loosen compacted areas carefully and add compost where the soil needs improvement.
Check tools and pots
Clean hand tools, sharpen cutting tools and check wooden handles. Empty pots can be cleaned before they are used again. A little preparation now makes the busy weeks of spring easier.
Plan before planting
Make a short list of what you want to grow this year. Think about sunny and shaded places, the space plants will need later in the season and what worked well last year.
Spring in the garden does not need to start with a big project. A few useful jobs now can make the rest of the season much more enjoyable.