Garden Tasks for the Next Few Weeks
As the growing season gets underway, now is the ideal time to focus on a few key gardening tasks that will set your garden up for success over the coming months. Below is a practical guide covering pest control, lawn care, and vegetable growing.
Pest Control and Fruit Tree Care
Slug and Snail Control with Nematodes
Applying nematodes to vegetable areas is an effective preventative measure against slugs and snails. These microscopic organisms naturally target soil-dwelling pests and help protect young plants as they establish.
More information:
https://gardenadvice.co.uk/blog/natural-slug-control-with-nematodes/
Codling Moth Control in Apple Trees
To protect developing fruit, install a pheromone trap in apple trees. This helps monitor and reduce codling moth populations, preventing damage to apples later in the season.
Learn more:
https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-tips/codling-moth/
Lawn Establishment and Care
If sowing clover into a lawn, preparation and aftercare are key:
- Ensure hoses or irrigation are set up before sowing
- Keep the lawn consistently damp for approximately 14 days
- Avoid letting the surface dry out during germination
Even during cooler periods, improving temperatures can provide ideal growing conditions, so timing remains important.
Preparing Garden Areas
Using Sheeting for Weed Control
Covering beds with black sheeting is a simple and effective way to suppress weeds:
- Lay the sheeting over the soil surface
- Secure it firmly using pegs or weights
- Leave in place until planting
You can create simple pegs by cutting wire into approximately 8-inch lengths and bending them into a U-shape. Alternatively, ready-made landscape staples are widely available.
Example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Galvanized-Gardening-Staples-Landscape-Securing/dp/B08K47B3RJ/
Mulching Around Raised Beds
Applying wood chips around raised beds helps:
- Suppress weeds
- Retain moisture
- Improve soil structure over time
Vegetable Growing Tips
Growing Through Sheeting
Planting through weed-suppressing sheeting is a practical way to reduce maintenance:
- Cut holes where crops will be planted
- Suitable crops include potatoes and sweetcorn
Guide to growing potatoes through sheeting:
https://gardenadvice.co.uk/katy/controlling-ground-elder-with-potatoes/
Choosing Seeds
A reliable seed supplier is essential for good results:
https://www.wholesale.molesseeds.co.uk
General Vegetable Growing Advice
- Experiment with different crops – results vary year to year depending on weather conditions
- Succession sowing – sow small amounts of crops like peas, lettuce, chard, and rocket every couple of weeks for a continuous harvest
- Plan ahead – consider introducing winter crops such as winter lettuce and spinach later in the season
At this stage of the year, the focus should be on establishing strong foundations in the garden. With a combination of good preparation, consistent watering, and a willingness to experiment, you can build a productive and resilient garden that improves year after year.