How to clean your garden: 6 Simple ways

Is your garden ready for Spring?

Spring has arrived, which means it’s time for the big spring clean! Whilst you may have your home spring cleaning checklist sorted, don’t forget your garden will need some TLC too!

Spring is a great time to tidy up the lawn, clear the weeds and clean the patio.

It’s time to throw open the doors and roll up your sleeves. Here are 6 great tips on how to clean garden and get it back in shape for spring!

Power wash the patio

My patio is north-facing and has been covered with unsightly moss for longer than I care to remember. I’ve tried moss weed-killer in the past, but the moss turns brown for a bit and then laughs it off! Then I discovered this brilliant tool. I won’t lie and say that it was an easy job. You will get a good work-out scraping the moss away, but the end result is very satisfying.

Once you have tackled the moss, it’s time to give the patio itself a thorough clean. Simply get a bucket of warm soapy water, or a commercial patio cleaner, and a stiff broom and get scrubbing! If, like mine, your patio needs a little more work, you can contact local gardening or cleaning services in order to hire a pressure washer. This will have your patio looking as good as new in no time!

Effortlessly clean the furniture 

It’s time to get your garden furniture ready for lounging outside on sunny afternoons. Here are a few tips on how to clean your garden by getting all different types of garden furniture in pristine condition.

Wood

• Use a bristle brush to clean off the excess dirt and dust that has built up
• After rinsing off the wood, you can remove any weathered areas by sanding it down
• Wooden furniture can be left outdoors all year round but remember to protect it from the elements by giving it a coat of teak oil

Plastic

• You can clean your plastic furniture easily, by simply using a bucket of warm soapy water
• Ensure to avoid using any abrasive sponges, as this may scratch and damage the plastic
• Plastic can discolour, so it is best to keep your furniture covered with a sheet or stored in a shed

Metal

• A common problem with metal furniture is rust. You can tackle the rust by sanding it off and touching up the damaged areas with some rust-resistant paint
• Hose down the furniture to remove dirt, cobwebs and dust. You may need to use a hard brush to remove any extra tough dirt
• To prevent rust, it is best to keep metal furniture covered during rainy seasons

Revive the lawn

It’s time to turn your attention to your brown and patchy lawn. Spring is a great time to sow grass seeds on any bare patches. Once you have waited patiently for the grass to grow back, be sure to regularly mow the lawn, as this will encourage growth. Fertiliser is also a great way to revive your lawn and return your grass to its vibrant green glory. When the weather begins to heat up, don’t forget your grass needs watering too!

Tackle the weeds

Just like indoors, it’s best to start your spring clean by giving your garden a general tidy up. Remove twigs, rake dead leaves and pull up any dead plants from last season.

Then it’s time to tackle the weeds. Here are a few useful tips on how to clean your garden by removing the weeds.

• If removing weeds by hand, ensure the soil is damp and moist before you begin. This will make it much easier to remove the plant from its root, and this is crucial if you don’t want the weeds to reappear
• Using a hoe to loosen the soil around the weed may also make it easier to remove
• If you do decide to use a chemical weed-remover, try to buy an environmentally friendly product to avoid damaging your lawn or wildlife

Tidy up the shrubs 

Pruning your flowers, shrubs and trees is essential because it encourages new growth and flowering. It also helps to simply make your garden look neater and tidier. March is an especially great month to prune your roses!  Make sure your pruning tools are sharp and clean before you begin. If like me, you are a bit of a pruning novice, check out this great pruning guide for beginners!

Welcome birds to a clean home

Now that your garden has been refreshed, its time to welcome the wildlife! Whether you are used to welcoming birds into your garden, or it’s something you want to try this spring, it is important to keep your bird feeders clean. A dirty feeder can harbour bacteria, which can contaminate birds and spread to other local bird populations. So, make sure to wash your feeder every 2-4 weeks.

You can clean the feeders with commercial cleaning solutions or simply a weak bleach solution (1 part bleach, 9 parts water). Remember to thoroughly rinse them before refilling.

Clean feeders, with fresh seeds and water will attract more birds and brighten up your garden for spring!

So, even if you pass on spring cleaning your home and book a cleaner instead, be sure to get out in the garden and get your hands dirty!

Once you’re done, sit outside on your fresh garden chairs and admire your hard work!