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Spring10 May 2026
10 Essential Spring Tasks for Your UK Garden
As the days lengthen and soil temperatures rise, spring is the most exciting time in the garden. Here are the key jobs to tackle in March, April and May to set your garden up for a brilliant year.
March
- Start sowing seeds indoors — tomatoes, aubergines, and peppers love a warm windowsill.
- Prune roses back to outward-facing buds once frosts ease.
- Divide overgrown perennials such as hostas and grasses before they get too big.
- Feed your lawn with a spring lawn fertiliser to encourage lush growth.
April
- Plant out hardy annuals like sweet peas and cornflowers after hardening off.
- Apply mulch to borders to lock in moisture and suppress weeds.
- Check fruit trees for signs of disease and treat early.
- Sow grass seed to repair any bare patches from winter.
May
- Harden off tender plants ready for planting outside after the last frost (typically mid-May in Yorkshire).
- Stake tall perennials such as delphiniums before they grow too tall.
- Mow regularly — aim for at least once a week and raise the blade slightly during dry spells.
- Hang up pest traps in fruit trees to protect your harvest.
Tip: In West Yorkshire, expect frosts well into May, so always check the forecast before planting out tender bedding.