People may be keen to get out in their garden as the weather improves in the Spring season. Now is a great time to do some jobs in your green space and it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune to stock up on your outdoor supplies.

Luke Newnes, gardening specialist at online shop Hillarys, has shared some tips around how to make the most of the weeks ahead. He said: “April is really when the garden starts to wake up, so it’s all about setting things up for the months ahead.

“It’s a great time to start mowing the lawn again, cut back dead growth on perennials, and give borders a tidy. You can also begin planting hardy annuals, vegetables like potatoes and salad leaves, and give fences or sheds a fresh lick of paint before everything gets too leafy.”

He also said now is a good time to feed your plants, such as roses, shrubs and lawns, to give them some fresh nutrients as the growing season comes in.

People often forget

Mr Newnes warned people often forget to check over their gardening tools. He said: “One of the biggest things people forget is checking their tools. April is ideal for cleaning, sharpening and oiling garden tools so they’re ready for regular use.

“Not a lot of people realise but blunt secateurs can actually damage plants.” He also said not to overlook certain areas of your outdoor space.

He said: “People also forget about clearing gutters, drains and outdoor spaces around the garden. Leaves and debris from winter can block drainage and cause issues later on. And it’s worth checking fences, trellises and pots now, rather than discovering a problem once plants are already growing.”

Reducing your costs

You may be worried you face a big bill to stock up on items for your green space. Mr Newnes shared three ideas for cheaper ways to do your gardening.

He said: “Gardening doesn’t have to be expensive. One of the easiest ways to save money is by making your own compost using kitchen scraps and garden waste, rather than buying bags from the garden centre.

“You can also reuse household items for example yoghurt pots make great seed starters, old containers can be turned into planters, and broken pots work well for drainage.” A third idea he shared is to swap plants and cuttings with your friends or neighbours, to expand your garden “without spending a penny”.

What time of day is best to do your gardening?

The expert was asked when it is best to head outdoors to do some jobs around your garden. He replied: “Morning is usually the best time to get most gardening jobs done.

“Temperatures are cooler, which is kinder on you and your plants, and watering in the morning gives plants time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day. Evenings are fine for lighter jobs, but try to avoid heavy pruning or mowing during the hottest part of the afternoon, especially on warmer days. Early starts really do pay off when it comes to gardening.”