As soon asp possible start cutting the grass. If it has not been cut since last autumn it will be long and tufted and hard work. Choose a dry day, cut it to 3 inches and remove the cuttings. The same day, or soon after, cut it again to half its height. Don’t put it out of your mind. It will be easier to cut when short in about 10 days
Eliminate grass corners. Curve the edges to remove awkward bits of lawn which are difficult to cut. Plant up or hard surface where the turf is lifted
Allow crocus growing in the lawn to produce seed before cutting that area of grass. They will quickly multiply
Remove a circle of grass from the base of trees in the lawn and mulch with chopped bark. It will take less time to cut round the trees. There will be less collision damage to the tree trunk
This is a good time to apply a mulch of composted bark. A 2 inch (5cm) deep layer spread on the surface, before the soil dries out, will deter weeds. Spreading newspapers between the soil and the mulch will slow down the rate the bark decomposes. It should last for an extra two years
Now is the time to prune your bush roses. Cut out the old branches as close to ground level as possible. Remove thin shoots. Cut the younger growths back to 6-8 inches above an outward pointing bud. Remove the prunings
Weeds are manic at the moment. Perennials such as bindweed, goutweed, nettles, buttercup and thistles are growing strongly. Control them by digging out and burning the roots. Glyphosate weed killer will eventually kill most weeds but it may take more than one application. Spray on dry, calm days taking all the recommended safety precautions
When the soil is wet or heavy rain is expected don’t use the hoe to weed. It tends to pull small weeds out by the root. If they are lifted they will re-root. You will be guilty of transplanting weeds
