Most Gardeners Ignore This Clutter – But it Could Cost You Spring Color
Clearing even one of these five spots can rejuvenate your yard
It is officially spring and this can only mean one thing – time for a spring clean in the yard. Even just a small spruce up can make a huge difference. Not just for good looks alone, of course, clearing areas of our gardens can give them a big health boost. And yet, despite the benefits, so many of us ignore clutter hotspots. So, we have a plan to help you tackle them.
Knowing how to maintain a tidy garden can require a degree of ruthlessness and a fresh vision, but the effort and time spent is generously rewarded. Every space cleared makes more room for extra spring blooms, allows air and sunlight to hit the soil plus, encourages us to appreciate every dash of color and emerging detail a little bit more.
Article continues below1. Dead Annuals
One chore many of us ignore is clearing spent bedding plants and long dead annuals. Whether it's in the hope that they will simply, in time, biodegrade back into the soil, or whether it's laziness, there are plenty of compelling reasons to keep on top of this task.
‘Old, decaying plants can block natural light from reaching the soil, which in turn prevents seeds from germinating and can harbor harmful pests and diseases,’ says Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens.
‘They also take up valuable space, both above and below the ground in planters and borders, that could be occupied by other spring blooms, summer flowering perennials or future crops.’
Act now and spend a few minutes carefully pulling or digging up spent annuals and adding them to the compost heap.
A pair of flexible yet grippy gardening gloves such as these from Walmart will speed up the job, especially if you collate the waste in a roomy wheelbarrow, also from Walmart, moving it around the garden as you work.
2. Fallen Leaves and Debris
If there’s one simple and speedy task that can make a huge difference to the look of your yard, it has to be clearing fallen twigs, leaves and general debris from the soil.
‘Nestled between shrubs, perennials and delicate spring blooms, this natural debris can smother emerging shoots and prevent bulbs from pushing upwards,’ says Rachel. ‘It can also hamper air circulation, encouraging harmful spores and diseases to linger and seek out susceptible fresh growth.’
Take a few minutes to combat these issues by lightly raking away the compacted leaves to reveal the bare soil below.
A narrow hand tiller such as this one from Lowe’s, is great for working between established plants, while a leaf rake with an adjustable head, also from Lowe'sis great for tackling larger areas.
Be sure to collect and store these fallen leaves, as they can boost your yard's plant health. Discover what leaf mold is, and how this can become one of the best mulch for roses.
3. Empty Pots and Containers
Nothing shouts tired and depressing in a garden more than underperforming pots and planters. Thoughtfully designed and positioned to showcase gorgeous foliage and blooms, these containers can morph into a huge disappointment when filled with nothing more than long-dead or dying plants.
‘Pots containing last year’s dead bedding plants can instantly make a space appear unloved and messy, plus they take up valuable space where new plants could go,’ says Rachel. ‘Loose no time in emptying them out and replant with fresh displays. If they are no longer needed, clean, store or recycle them.’
We've found a garden leaf tarpaulin with carry handles, such as this one from Walmart, is handy for emptying pots and keeping things tidy, while a tapered bristle brush, from Amazon, is great for cleaning flower pots.
If you are seeking fresh, floral inspiration there are many beautiful spring flowers for pots to choose from plus plenty of low maintenance plants for pots.
3. Store Unused Tools and Ornaments
Clearing clutter indoors (particularly in small rooms) is essential, not only to smarten up appearances but also to improve flow, practicality and make the space feel bigger. Guess what - this rule works outside too, and spring is the ideal time to get started.
‘Conduct regular edits of your garden, concentrating on key sightlines such as those along borders, paths and across the lawn,’ suggests Rachel. ‘Look closely for any pots or decorative items that are obscuring or interrupting the view and consider moving them to another part of the yard or storing them out of view.’
Instantly removing these visual distractions will allow the eye to relax, flow from plant to plant and create the illusion of a larger space. A heavy duty plant trolley from Walmart can help move large items easily. We find that the best designs are adjustable in size and come with lockable wheels.
Tools and garden machinery are another clutter culprit, often left hanging around where they were last used. Learn how professional gardeners store gardening tools in fall not just to keep them in good working order, but also for everyone's safety and to preserve garden sightlines.
There’s also the bonus of appreciating your garden in the present moment, rather dwelling on future tasks.
5. Clear Weeds
They don’t just detract from thoughtfully designed borders and winning plant combinations, weeds also compete with chosen plants for space, light and essential nutrients. Learning how to weed a garden quickly and how to keep weeds out of flower beds requires little fuss and specialist equipment, but timing is key.
The secret to success is to catch weeds early, after they first emerge from their winter dormancy and before they have chance to establish strong root systems.
Shallow rooted, annual weeds such as chickweed can be simply sliced in half with a clean, sharp hoe – we like this long-handled Dutch hoe from Walmart for ease. Any culled plants can be left on the soil's surface to shrivel in the sun and eventually rot down.
Stubborn perennial weeds present a different, tougher challenge but there are techniques to try. Those with deep tap roots, such as dandelions and bindweed can be dug out using a hori-hori knife from Walmartor a stand-up claw weeder from Walmart.
For invasive or particularly persistent offenders, it may well be consulting professional garden services before resorting to chemicals or pesticides.
If you are inspired to start clearing other areas of your outdoor space and restore style and order, then check out how to declutter a shed plus learn how to create a capsule garden and curate plants like a pro.
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