GARDEN: Taking care of your garden in France at the start of Spring
1. Raise the lawn-cutting height
In this spring weather, lawn mowing is making a comeback. “Cutting the grass too short is a big mistake! exclaims Roger Rose. “You need to raise the cutting height on your mower so the grass can sweat and avoid scorching from drying out. That way, it protects the ground”.
Read also: Three mistakes not to make in your garden with the arrival of spring
2. Plants and flowers, buy them in pots
The octogenarian gardener advises buying your flowers and perennials directly in pots (small containers about 6 cm wide and high). In addition to ease of installation and good preservation, the buckets also ensure ideal recovery, provided that the needs of the plants are respected.
Do not forget to open them with a hook or a fork for the most recalcitrant. “You have to demolish the roots a little bit” then transplant, “so that they anchor themselves well in the ground. Flowering will then be rapid and marvellous” .
3. Save rainwater
One simple and effective way to conserve water and save money on your water bill is by collecting rainwater. By setting up large containers to collect rainwater, you can ensure that your plants and seedlings receive a healthy supply of water without having to rely on costly tap water. In fact, according to experienced gardeners, drawing water from the tap can result in a “salty addition at the end of the month!” This is due to the high mineral content and additives in tap water that can cause damage to your plants over time. By utilizing rainwater, not only are you saving money, but you are also providing your plants with a more natural and nourishing source of water that can help them thrive. So, next time it rains, consider setting up some containers to collect the rainwater and give your plants the care they deserve.
Read also: How to make your garden a haven of biodiversity
4. Cut the branches of your flowering shrubs
“For camellias, for example, you have to cut the branches one by one with secateurs”. Roger Rose warns: “with the shears, the leaves are cut in half, and you will have rust on all your flowers afterwards! “.
Very meticulous, he adds that the use of pruning shears “takes very little time and provides incredible results”.
5. Pay attention to the last frosts
The experienced gardener emphasizes the importance of timing when it comes to planting various types of plants. He notes that the period for planting trees, shrubs, and other woody plants has already passed, as these plants require a period of time for their root systems to develop during the winter months. In fact, he advises against planting such plants in April or May, as it may already be too late in the season for them to establish themselves properly.
However, this doesn’t mean that all planting should be put on hold until next season. Once the last frosts of the year have passed and the summer droughts are still a ways off, it’s the perfect time to transplant certain plants. The gardener recommends that gardeners take advantage of this time to transplant tomato plants, begonias, and dahlias. These types of plants can thrive when transplanted during this time of year, as they have a better chance of adapting to their new environment before the harsher conditions of summer arrive.
By following the gardener’s advice and timing your planting and transplanting activities appropriately, you can give your plants the best chance to grow and thrive in your garden.
With the right timing and techniques, gardening can be a truly rewarding and fulfilling hobby. By taking advantage of the springtime weather to transplant your tomatoes and other plants, you’ll not only be able to enjoy a beautiful and vibrant garden but also have access to fresh, juicy tomatoes to add to your summer salads. There’s nothing quite like the taste of homegrown produce, and by putting in a little effort and following the advice of experienced gardeners like Roger Rose, you can create a thriving and fruitful garden that will provide you with plenty of fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables to enjoy throughout the season. So don’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and start cultivating your little flowery paradise today!