THE gardener's LOG

Welcome to spring, the most beautiful - and busiest - season in the garden, when these simple tasks will ensure a bounty of blooms, fruit and veg for months to come

- WORDS ASHLEY JAMES | PHOTOGRAPHY ALLIE ASZODI

Gardens come alive with the promise of spring, as the sun coaxes dormant plants from their slumber and garden beds become a canvas filled with potential. It is a time for preparation and renewal, when your gardener's notebook is filled with sketches and lists of how your plot will evolve. As a cottage gardener, spring is my favourite time of year and one of my busiest - join me in these essentials to usher in the season.

Enrich your soil with nutrients

To give plants a much-needed burst of nutrition, dig in compost or add all-purpose fertiliser to your garden beds. This improves soil structure, enhances moisture retention and boosts beneficial micro-organisms, while all-purpose fertilisers add essential nutrients that promote robust growth. By doing this now, you'll enjoy fertile foundations.