The spring garden clean-up checklist

A few days of work in early spring saves weeks of catching up later. This is the checklist our team works through on spring clean-up visits. Start in late February or March on dry days, when the soil isn't too wet to walk on.

1. Clear the winter debris

Rake up fallen leaves, twigs and storm debris from lawns, beds and paths. Healthy leaves can go on the compost heap. Leaves with black spot or mildew should go in the green waste bin.

2. Cut back last year's growth

Cut down the dead stems of perennials and ornamental grasses you left standing over winter, before the new shoots come through. Deciduous grasses can be cut to about 10cm. Evergreen grasses just need a comb through with your fingers (wear gloves) to pull out dead blades.

Leaving stems up until now isn't laziness. They shelter insects over winter and look good in frost.

3. Weed thoroughly, now

Weeds are small and easy to pull in early spring. Every one you remove now is one that won't set seed. Use a hand fork to get the whole root of perennial weeds like dandelions and docks.

4. Prune what needs it

• Roses: late February to March. Cut out dead and crossing stems, then shorten the rest to an outward-facing bud.
• Late-flowering shrubs like buddleja and hardy fuchsia can be cut back hard in March.
• Leave spring flowering shrubs (forsythia, lilac) until after they flower.

5. Divide crowded perennials

Clumps that have gone bare in the middle can be lifted, split with two forks back to back, and replanted. You get better plants and free ones to fill gaps.

6. Re-cut the bed edges

Use a half-moon edger and a plank as a straight guide. Crisp edges make the whole garden look looked-after.

7. Feed the borders

Scatter a general-purpose fertiliser around shrubs and perennials as growth starts. Roses and fruit appreciate their own dedicated feed.

8. Mulch

Spread 5–7cm of well-rotted compost, manure or bark over the soil while it's still moist. Keep mulch a hand's width away from stems. It locks in moisture, suppresses weeds and feeds the soil over time.

9. Check fences, trellis and paths

Winter storms loosen fence panels and posts. Fix them now, before climbers put on growth. Jet-wash patios and paths to remove slippery algae, and refill joints between pavers.

10. Wake up the lawn

• Give it a light rake to lift flattened grass and remove debris.
• First cut on a high setting, just taking the tips off.
• Treat moss in April, and feed once the grass is growing well.

Our lawn care calendar has the full year.

11. Clean pots, tools and the greenhouse

Wash pots with hot soapy water to stop diseases carrying over. Sharpen secateurs and the mower blade. Clean greenhouse glass to let in as much light as possible.

12. Plan the year

Walk the garden and note the gaps, the plants that struggled and what you'd like to change. Spring planting goes much better with a plan and a shopping list.