As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, it's time to prepare your garden for spring. Late February and March are the sweet spot for getting ahead of the growing season — tackle these tasks now and you'll be rewarded with a garden that bursts into life when warmer weather arrives. Here are 10 essential jobs every Norfolk gardener should complete before spring takes hold.
1. Prune Shrubs and Climbing Plants
Late winter is the ideal time to prune many deciduous shrubs and climbing plants while they're still dormant. Cut back late-flowering clematis, buddleia, and hardy fuchsias hard — they flower on new growth, so pruning now encourages vigorous spring shoots. Roses should be pruned in late February to early March: remove dead, crossing, or weak stems and cut to an outward-facing bud. For larger trees that need attention, consider professional tree surgery — it's safer and ensures the job is done correctly.
Don't prune spring-flowering shrubs like forsythia, lilac, or early-flowering clematis — wait until they've finished blooming. If your hedges need shaping, check our complete hedge trimming guide for the best timing.
2. Give Your Lawn Its First Cut
Once the soil temperature reaches around 6°C (usually mid-to-late March in Norfolk), give the lawn its first light cut on the highest mower setting. This removes winter-tip growth and lets light reach the crown of the grass plants. Don't scalp it — a gentle trim is all that's needed. If you'd rather leave it to the experts, our lawn mowing service covers all of Norfolk. For a detailed guide, read our month-by-month lawn mowing guide.
🌿 Pro Tip
If your lawn has bare patches, now is a good time to overseed. Rake the soil lightly, scatter seed, and keep it moist. Norfolk's spring rain usually does the watering for you.
3. Tackle Weeds Early
Weeds are already growing — they started before your garden plants did. Pull them out now while they're small and the soil is soft from winter moisture. Pay particular attention to perennial weeds like dandelions, bindweed, and couch grass. Removing them before they set seed saves enormous effort later in the year.
4. Start Planting
March is perfect for planting:
- Hardy annuals — sow directly into prepared beds
- Summer bulbs — dahlias, gladioli, and lilies can go in from late March
- Bare-root trees and shrubs — plant before buds break (the sooner the better)
- Perennials — divide and replant overcrowded clumps
- Vegetables — broad beans, peas, and early potatoes can go in now
Norfolk's sandy-loam soils warm up faster than heavy clay, giving you a slight head start over gardeners in other parts of the UK. For advice on the best time to plant trees in Norfolk, check our dedicated guide.
5. Apply Mulch to Beds and Borders
A 5-8cm layer of organic mulch (bark chips, well-rotted compost, or leaf mould) does wonders: it suppresses weeds, retains moisture during Norfolk's dry summers, improves soil structure, and gives beds a tidy, finished appearance. Apply mulch to damp soil before weeds get established.
6. Clean Paths, Patios, and Hard Surfaces
Winter leaves algae, moss, and grime on paths and patios. A good sweep followed by a pressure wash transforms tired-looking hard surfaces. It's also a safety issue — slippery algae on paths causes falls, especially for older residents. Doing this in early spring means your outdoor spaces are clean and ready for use when the weather improves.
7. Check and Repair Fences and Boundaries
Winter storms are hard on garden fences and boundaries. Walk the perimeter and check for:
- Loose or broken fence panels
- Rotten posts (push at the base to test)
- Damaged trellis
- Gaps where animals might get through
Repairing fences now is easier than in summer when borders are full of plants. It also ensures climbing plants have secure support as they start growing.
8. Prepare Beds and Borders
Clear away dead stems from last year's perennials (if you left them for winter wildlife habitat — which is good practice), weed thoroughly, and lightly fork over the soil. Work in a generous helping of garden compost or well-rotted manure to replenish nutrients. Edge the borders for a crisp, defined look. If your beds are seriously overgrown, a professional garden clearance can give you a clean slate to work with.
🌿 Pro Tip
Norfolk's sandy soils drain well but can be low in nutrients. Adding organic matter every spring is essential — it improves water retention and feeds your plants naturally throughout the season.
9. Service and Maintain Your Tools
Before the busy season starts, get your tools ready:
- Sharpen secateurs, shears, and hoe blades
- Oil moving parts and hinges
- Check lawnmower blade — sharpen or replace if damaged
- Replace worn handles on spades and forks
- Stock up on essentials: twine, plant labels, seed compost
Sharp tools make cleaner cuts (better for plant health), require less effort, and make every gardening task more enjoyable.
10. Plan Your Year Ahead
Take 30 minutes to think about what you want from your garden this year. Consider:
- Which areas worked well last year and which didn't
- New plants or features you'd like to add
- Whether you want to grow more food this year
- If any areas could be simplified for lower maintenance
- Setting up a regular garden maintenance schedule
Planning prevents impulse buying at the garden centre and ensures your garden develops with purpose rather than randomly. Whether you're tending a cottage garden in Wymondham, a modern plot in Sprowston, or a family garden in Hethersett, a little planning goes a long way.
Spring preparation is one of the most satisfying periods in the gardening calendar. Put in the work now and you'll spend the rest of the year enjoying the results rather than playing catch-up.