Kingsbridge

When moving into spring we begin to turn our attentions back to the garden and make an effort to get up to date with our spring chores.

Gardening website Shoot provides hints and tips specific to your plants and has provided some top tips for the new season.

1. Plant snowdrops 'in the green'
Snowdrops do not establish successfully when planted as dry bulbs, so specialist nurseries tend to supply them with the plants still in full leaf (this is called 'in the green') and with the bulb wrapped to preserve moisture.

Set the young plants in moist free-draining soil with loads of rich organic matter. They will self propagate over the years into large, pretty clumps, that should be divided every couple.

2. Prune main stems of large bush, tea and hybrid perpetual roses
Examples include: Rosa 'Blessings', Rosa 'Savoy Hotel Harvintage', Rosa 'Deep Secret', Rosa 'A Shropshire Lad'.

In late winter to early spring, cut out any dead, damaged or diseased stems first. Then you are left with healthy strong stems.

Cut back main stems to 20-25cm (8-10in) above ground or 45-60cm (18-24in). Reduce sideshoots to two or three buds or 10-15cm (4-6in). Always prune to just above a healthy, outward facing bud with sharp, clean secatures. Remove weak and spindly shoots (less than 'pencil thickness').

For renewal, cut back one-third of the oldest stems almost to the base in the first year. In subsequent years remove a further one-third each year.

3. Feed roses
Most modern, highly flowered roses need regular applications of plant food to reach their full size and to produce abundant flowers (as opposed to many of the 'species' roses which need less nutrition). In spring, around March, feed roses with a rose fertliser, especially on light sandy soils. Roses prefer a slow-release plant food that is high in phosphorus.

For ever-blooming roses, feed regularly with a water-soluble plant food. Not only will regular feedings provide better blooms, but a healthy, well-fed plant is also better able to resist attacks of pests and diseases and to survive severe winter cold.

4. Prune early spring flowering (group 1) clematis
Examples include: Clematis montana, Clematis armandii 'Apple Blossom', Clematis alpina 'Frances Rivis'.

This group of clematis generally doesn't need much regular pruning, as it flowers on old wood, and if you prune you will loose next year's early flush of flowers. If you need to prune to keep the plant in the space you have allotted to it then prune immediately after flowering to give the plant time to recover and put on growth in the summer. Remove dead or damaged stems, and once flowered, reduce other stems back to keep tidy.

For renovation, cut back harder to around 30cm from the base immediately after flowering.

5. Take time to plan your garden
When you come to hit the garden centres in spring it's important to plan what you want so you are less likely to make impulse decisions and pick up plants that aren't suitable for your garden's growing conditions. Available at www.shootgardening.co.uk, with a full annual subscription of just £19.99, you can experience the shoot garden layout. This new tool allows you to select the shape and size of your garden and add the plants you already have. Once your plants are plotted you can also check each month to see which need care during that month, and remind yourself where in the garden they are planted.

For more information on receiving tips specific to the plants in your garden, visit www.shootgardening.co.uk.

The article Spring tips for the garden originally appeared on 999 Today