A Gardener's Guide: What to Plant for Spring

As the cold winter days gradually fade away, the arrival of spring beckons gardeners to dust off their gardening tools and step outside to breathe new life into their outdoor spaces. With longer days and warmer temperatures on the horizon, it's the perfect time to start planning and planting for a vibrant and flourishing garden. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice with a green thumb itching to get started, here's a comprehensive guide on what to plant for spring.

Bulbs: Spring-flowering bulbs are a delightful way to add pops of colour to your garden after the winter chill. Plant bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and snowdrops in autumn for a stunning display come springtime. Make sure to plant them in well-drained soil and in a sunny or partially shaded spot for optimal growth.

Perennials: Perennials are plants that come back year after year, providing continuous beauty to your garden. Spring is an excellent time to plant perennials such as primroses, hellebores, and bleeding hearts. These hardy plants will reward you with blooms year after year with minimal maintenance.

Vegetables: Spring is the perfect time to start sowing seeds for a bountiful vegetable garden. Cool-season vegetables like lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes thrive in the milder temperatures of spring. Prepare your soil by adding compost and organic matter to ensure a nutrient-rich environment for your vegetables to grow.

Herbs: Fresh herbs are a must-have in any kitchen, and spring is an ideal time to plant them in your garden. Herbs like parsley, chives, mint, and thyme can be planted either from seeds or seedlings and will flourish in the spring sunshine. Consider planting them in pots or containers near your kitchen for easy access while cooking.

Annuals: Annual flowers are a fantastic way to add instant colour and cheer to your garden in spring. Plants like pansies, violas, and calendulas are perfect for filling in gaps in flower beds or adding colour to containers and hanging baskets. They're also great for attracting bees to your garden.

Shrubs: Spring-flowering shrubs can bring a burst of colour and fragrance to your garden. Consider planting shrubs such as forsythia, magnolia, and lilac for stunning blooms and intoxicating scents in the springtime. Be sure to choose varieties that are well-suited to your soil and climate conditions.

Fruit Trees: If you're dreaming of harvesting your own fruit later in the year, spring is the time to plant fruit trees. Apple, pear, cherry, and plum trees can be planted in early spring while the weather is still cool. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil and consider planting multiple varieties for cross-pollination and a greater yield.

Climbers and Vines: Add vertical interest to your garden with climbing plants and vines. Spring is a great time to plant climbers such as clematis, honeysuckle, and jasmine, which will add height, texture, and fragrance to your garden. Provide sturdy supports for them to climb on and watch them flourish throughout the season.

Spring is a time of renewal and growth in the garden, and there's no shortage of plants to choose from when it comes to filling your outdoor space with colour, fragrance, and flavour. Whether you're planting bulbs, perennials, vegetables, herbs, annuals, shrubs, fruit trees, or climbers, there's something for every gardener to enjoy in the UK during the spring season. So roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening gloves, and get ready to watch your garden burst into life this spring!