Spring is finally showing its face, and we are all eager to get our gardens back in shape! You might be tempted to rush into it, but did you know that some habits can do more harm than good?
Quickly discover the common mistakes gardeners make during this season and the right actions to preserve both your garden and biodiversity.
1. The Classic Mistake: Trimming Hedges in Spring
As soon as the temperatures rise, the urge to tidy up your garden is strong, especially by carefully trimming your hedges.
However, did you know that this could disrupt the nesting of birds? During this time, our feathered friends are busy building their nests and laying their eggs. Using the hedge trimmer in full spring can expose these nests to predators or accidentally destroy them.
The League for the Protection of Birds recommends waiting until late summer or even autumn before trimming. This simple habit helps preserve the natural richness of your garden.
2. Mowing the Lawn: Beware of Excess!
Spring causes grass to grow rapidly due to sunshine and regular rain. We often want to mow very short to limit the frequency of mowing, right?
A bad idea: cutting the grass too short doesn’t provide adequate protection against the last spring frosts. Keep your lawn at about 7 cm in height, and your grass will thank you!
Another good practice: leave some areas intact. This taller grass will serve as a refuge for pollinating insects and helpful wildlife. And to avoid harming hedgehogs that might be hiding, start mowing from the center and work your way outwards.
3. The Frequent Mistake Regarding Flower Bulbs
Once our lovely tulips, daffodils, and narcissus finish blooming, the common response is to quickly cut their faded foliage to tidy up.
Patience! Those leaves ensure the regeneration of the bulb for next year. Let them dry naturally before removing.
4. The Often Overlooked Pruning of Spring-Flowering Shrubs
Ironically, while some prunings should be avoided in spring, others are recommended. Shrubs like forsythia, deutzia, or Japanese quince need a light trim after flowering.
This pruning encourages the growth of new branches, producing even more flowers next year. Don’t postpone this task!
5. Fertilizer and Seeding: Classic Errors Due to Rushing
The Moderate Use of Fertilizer
In spring, we often want to boost growth with generous amounts of fertilizer. However, remember that your plants have built up reserves during winter.
Over-fertilizing can be harmful, even fatal. Wait until after flowering and apply your fertilizer sparingly.
Early Seeding in the Garden or Indoors
Sowing too early, whether in the garden soil or in pots indoors, can lead to growth issues or difficulty in establishing your plants.
The ideal timing depends mainly on the specific needs of the plants and local climatic conditions. If it’s still cold, a practical solution is to cover young shoots with a protective cloth.
A smart tip? Keep notes each year on the outcomes of your sowing and optimize your planning over time.
6. Avoiding Watering Errors in Spring
Think you should water your plants in the evening? Wrong move! At this season, it increases the risk of nighttime frost, stressing your plants. Instead, favor moderate watering early in the morning so that the roots can absorb the water before the midday heat.
In summer, you can resume evening watering when the risk of frost has passed.
7. Not Anticipating Summer Water Needs
As a final spring tip: prepare your water reserves for the summer now. Drought is becoming increasingly common.
So, consider installing rainwater collectors in your garden as soon as possible. During the dry season, you’ll be glad to water your plants without wasting drinking water.
Have you ever made any of these mistakes in the garden? Please share your experience in the comments! What are your tips for avoiding these spring pitfalls? We’re interested in your thoughts—tell us about your successes or misadventures in gardening!
