At last spring’s arrived, and gardeners are rejoicing. So here are some top tips for spring activities in the garden:

  1. Prune spring bloomers immediately after their show is over. Then, after every pruning job, feed the plant. Dynamic Lifter pellets are good for most shrubs. Look for the specific DL Advanced variants to suit fruit, tomatoes, lawns, roses and, now, camellias and azaleas.
  2. Roses are at their best in spring. Enjoy the flowers, but don’t forget to begin protecting new leaves with a systemic fungicide such as the one in Yates Rose Gun (Rose Shield is more suitable for larger rose gardens).
  3. Once the soil is warm, sow summer vegies such as beans, sweet corn, pumpkins, zucchinis, cucumbers and melons. Plant potatoes and – in warm areas – sweet potatoes.
  4. Feed the lawn to encourage new growth. Dynamic Lifter for lawns will supply organic (chicken manure) pellets that have been boosted with added nutrients.
  5. Remove weeds from the lawn with Yates Bindii & Clover Killer (always read the label carefully). Then follow up with a feed. Or take the easy way and use Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed, available in either hose-on or dry formulations. After the weeds have died, thicken the lawn by oversowing
    with Yates All Seasons lawn seed.
  6. Spring’s the ideal season for laying new turf. Before you begin, blend some Dynamic Lifter Turf Starter into the soil. This clever product combines organic pellets and water crystals to gently feed the new grass and, at the same time, hold moisture.
  7. Start a new herb patch. This is the season to plant basil and dill.
  8. Geraniums (pelargoniums) give months of summer colour but watch for fungal leaf spots. Yates Rose Gun will help keep leaves disease free. The insecticide in the Rose Gun will also take care of the grubs that chew holes in the buds.
  9. Watch for weeds springing up in warm weather. On paths and driveways, apply Once-A-Year Pathweeder to keep the surface weed free for up to twelve months. Use fast-acting Yates Zero Rapid to control weeds in garden beds (avoid contact with wanted plants).
  10. Divide clump-forming plants and spread to new parts of the garden. Crowded orchids, too, can be split up (pictured), then fed with Dynamic Lifter pellets.