After months of cold, short days and minimal growth, spring can feel like a fresh start, not just for us, but for our gardens too. As temperatures rise and daylight increases, plants begin to stir beneath the surface, ready for a new season of growth.
A proper spring reset helps your garden transition smoothly from winter dormancy into active growth. It sets the foundation for healthier plants, stronger roots, and better blooms throughout the year. Here’s how to wake up your garden after winter and give it the best possible start to spring.
Start with a Gentle Clean-Up
Winter can leave gardens looking tired and cluttered. Fallen leaves, broken branches, and dead plant material often accumulate over the colder months. Clearing this away is the first step, but it’s important not to be too aggressive.
Remove obvious debris such as:
- Dead leaves and stems
- Fallen branches
- Spent annuals from last season
Be cautious around emerging perennials and bulbs. Many plants are slower to wake up, and what looks dead may still be very much alive beneath the soil. A gentle tidy improves airflow, reduces the risk of pests and disease, and lets new growth shine through.
Check for Winter Damage
Before jumping into planting or pruning, take a moment to assess how winter has affected your garden. Frost, wind, and excess moisture can cause hidden damage.
Look out for:
- Broken or split branches
- Soft, rotting stems
- Heaving soil around plant bases (where freeze-thaw cycles have pushed roots upward)
If you notice plants that have been lifted out of the soil slightly, gently press them back into place and firm the soil around them. Early attention can prevent long-term stress and help plants recover more quickly.
Prune with Purpose
Spring pruning can be transformative, but timing and restraint matter. Not all plants should be pruned at the same time, and over-pruning can delay flowering or weaken growth.
As a general rule:
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first
- Prune summer-flowering shrubs in early spring
- Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs until after they bloom
Use clean, sharp tools and make deliberate cuts. Pruning encourages fresh growth, improves shape, and allows light and air to reach the centre of plants, but only when done thoughtfully.
Refresh and Feed the Soil
Healthy soil is the backbone of a thriving garden. After winter, soil can become compacted, depleted, or overly wet. Spring is the perfect time to restore balance.
Start by gently loosening the top layer of soil where possible, being careful not to disturb roots. Then replenish nutrients by adding:
- Compost or well-rotted organic matter
- A balanced, slow-release fertiliser if needed
This boosts soil structure, improves drainage, and provides essential nutrients just as plants begin active growth.
Ease Back Into Watering
It’s tempting to start watering generously as soon as the weather warms, but early spring often brings unpredictable rainfall and cooler nights.
Before watering:
- Check soil moisture below the surface
- Ensure containers and beds have good drainage
Overwatering at this stage can cause root rot or encourage weak growth. Gradually increase watering as temperatures rise, and plants show signs of active growth.
Inspect and Prepare Containers
If you use pots, planters, or raised beds, spring is the time to give them attention. Empty containers that didn’t survive winter, clean out old soil where necessary, and check for cracks or drainage issues.
Refreshing containers with new soil or compost helps prevent nutrient depletion and disease carryover. It’s also a great opportunity to rethink layouts and prepare for seasonal planting.
Watch for Early Pests and Diseases
As plants wake up, so do pests. Early spring is the best time to catch problems before they spread.
Keep an eye out for:
- Aphids on tender new growth
- Slugs and snails in damp areas
- Fungal issues encouraged by cool, wet conditions
Addressing issues early using physical removal or natural controls reduces the need for more intensive intervention later in the season.
Plan Before You Plant
Spring enthusiasm often leads to impulse planting, but a little planning goes a long way. Take time to observe your garden:
- Which areas get the most light?
- Where does water collect?
- Which plants struggled last year?
Use this insight to guide your planting choices and spacing. A thoughtful approach leads to stronger plants and a more cohesive garden overall.
Let Nature Set the Pace
Perhaps the most important part of a spring reset is patience. Not every plant wakes up at the same time, and spring weather can be unpredictable.
Resist the urge to rush. By working with the natural rhythm of the season, your garden will reward you with steady, healthy growth that lasts well beyond spring.
A Fresh Start for the Season Ahead
A spring reset doesn’t require perfection, just intention. With a little care, observation, and preparation, your garden will be ready to thrive as the season unfolds.
Whether you’re growing flowers, food, or a mix of both, these early steps create the conditions for a vibrant and resilient garden all year long.