Now is the time to really start making an effort outside. No matter the size of your garden, any effort put in now will be rewarded over the next few months. If you are planning changes to the structure and layout of the garden, now is the time to put those plans into action. Any changes made now won't interfere too much with the 'growing season'.
Weeds have already started growing vigorously, and the trick is to catch them early before they flower and self-seed. Do as much weeding and clearing now as you can to help keep your beds nice and clear later on. You also do not want those weeds establishing and withdrawing nutrients from the soil that you may need for later plantings. If you have planting areas bare at the moment, to be planted up later on, then cover with a mulch to help keep weed growth to a minimum.
Now is also the time to condition the soil, add well-rotted manure where possible; last year’s homemade compost may even be ready to use. Don't forget if you are growing runner beans then any compost not yet completely rotted down can always be buried in the intended location. I simply dug trenches where my runners are to be planted, filled with matter from my compost pile, dressed with a thin layer of manure and covered with top soil. This will be nicely rotted down for when they are ready to plant and the runners should thrive.
Now is a good time to start most of your seeds too. Runner beans, brassicas, even tomatoes can be seeded indoors now, to help extend your growing season. Seed potatoes are also widely available at the moment so now is the time to buy. Give them a few weeks on the windowsill to 'chit', and plant out after the last frosts.
If you want to brighten up your pots and planters, then now is the perfect time to buy smaller 'plug' plants at your local garden centre. Buying these plants now will save you a considerable sum as they will have a chance to develop and mature in time for late spring and early summer.
Lastly, clear any debris from your lawn. Give it a good rake to remove any moss or leaves. Sprinkle top soil and grass seed on any bare patches to help you get a nice even coverage for summer.
Good luck!
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