Spring is just around the corner (hallelujah!) and we know that more than a few Market customers will be thinking about prepping the garden and veggie patch for the spring growing season ahead.
We spoke to our resident garden expert, Christine from Prahran Garden Centre to get some quick tips from an expert, and there’s more than a few nuggets in what we heard. Enjoy!
What are the most common questions you get asked by customers at the start of Spring?
We do regularly get asked the same questions at this time of year. Typically they are:
- What vegetables and herbs should I be planting now?
- When should I fertilise my plants?
- Should I trim my plants back now?
What are the top things people should do in their garden the first week of spring?
As with all jobs, preparation is key. Spring is the season for new growth so here are my top tips to give your garden the best start.
- Prepare your soil by applying your fertilisers and weed killers
- Mulch your garden beds to retain moisture
- Trim back your tress and woody herbs
- Begin to water your plants more regularly now the weather is warming up
What plants are best planted in Spring?
There are lots of plants that are perfect for Spring planting so to make it easier, think about them in groups of herbs, vegetables and flowers. Here are my recommendations:
- Herbs – chives, garlic chives, coriander, dill, oregano, hot and spicy oregano, parsley, sage, thyme, lemon scented thyme, mint, peppermint and chocolate mint
- Vegetables – spinach, tomato, capsicum, lettuce and cauliflower
- Flowers – pansy, viola, begonia and snapdragon
Is there anything we should be doing to our existing plants that have made it through Winter?
Definitely trim them back, if you haven’t done so already, and fertilize them. If they’re in pots, now is the time to repot them and, if needed, cut back their roots so they can grow happily.
Are there any particular products we should use on the garden?
We have a few favourite fertiliser products that are good for different uses:
- Harvest – a natural all purpose seaweed and fish-based fertiliser
- Amgrow Slow Release Fertiliser – for your potted plants and citrus
- Cow Manure or Blood & Bone – to make your worn out soil rich in nutrients
Are there any watch outs when working on your garden in the first weeks of Spring?
- Definitely check where the sunny spots are. If the area you are planting in will get full sun all day or strong afternoon sun be careful which plants you place there as some plants can burn
- Make sure you put the correct amount of fertiliser down – follow the instructions for measurements. Plants can get burnt if they are over fertilised
- Even though you should increase your watering as the weather warms up, be careful not to over water
What are your top tools for the garden?
Our top tools are:
- A moisture meter to give you an accurate reading of your soil’s moisture levels
- Secateurs for pruning back your garden
- A premium stainless steel shovel
What are the best plants for a small courtyard or balcony for Spring?
There are lots of plants that suit a small courtyard or balcony but here are our recommendations depending on the light:
Full sun:
- Geraniums
- Dwarf citrus tree (and perfect if you love fresh citrus!)
Full sun to part shade:
- A variety of Japanese maple
Shade:
- Pierus (Andromeda)
- Gardenia
- Bromilliad
