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Seasonal Guide
Spring
Gardening Companion
Discover what to do in your garden every month with expert guidance and the right RYOBI® tools and tips for the seasons.
Plant Care
What to do in Spring
Lawn Care
Soil Care & Digging
Patio, Decking and Driveway
Trees, Shrubs and Hedge Care
Additional Tasks
As the weather warms up, it’s time to give your garden the attention it needs to thrive. Spring is the perfect opportunity for essential garden maintenance that sets your plants up for success. Whether you’re preparing for planting, pruning or nurturing your plants, taking the right steps now will help them grow strong and healthy. A little preparation goes a long way, and with the right timing and tools, you’ll be set for a season full of fresh growth and vibrant blooms. Here are some key spring gardening tips to help you get your plants growing.
To get your spring garden off to a strong start, focus on preparing the soil. Begin by clearing out any weeds, dead plants or debris to give new plants the space they need to grow.
Next, improve the soil structure by mixing in compost, well-rotted manure or organic matter, which will boost the soil's fertility and help your plants thrive. If your soil is heavy with clay, enhance drainage by adding grit or sand to prevent water from pooling and ensure healthy root development.
Spring is a great time to prune certain types of hydrangeas. For mophead varieties, look for strong, healthy buds and cut back the dead flower heads just above them. Trim back lacecap hydrangeas to the second pair of leaves below the head to prevent seeds from developing, which saps vital energy from the plant. For established mopheads and lacecaps, trim a couple of the older stems at the base to make room for new shoots. If a plant is overgrown or needs reshaping, cut all stems back to the base. Just remember, the new flowers won't bloom until the following year.
Pruning herbaceous perennials helps tidy up the garden and keeps things looking organised. Spring is a great time to do this, after the plants are done providing food and habitat for wildlife over winter. Cut stems close to the crown of the plant using a knife, shears or secateurs. Be careful not to damage any new growth starting to emerge from the base of the plant.
Spring is a great time to prune many trees. Just make sure to check for any active bird nests before you start. Birds tend to nest in the spring, so give your trees a once-over to avoid disturbing them. If you find nests, you'll have to wait until later in the season to prune – it's illegal to disturb them. Evergreen trees respond well as they begin new growth, and tender deciduous trees can be pruned once frost risk has passed (hardy deciduous trees are best pruned in winter). Spring pruning also suits stone fruit trees, helping reduce problems such as silver leaf and bacterial canker. Cordless tools make your work more manageable. The RYOBI ONE+™ Cordless Pruning Saw's 15cm reciprocating blade rotates at up to 2600 strokes per minute to cut cleanly through branches up to 8cm thick, helping you effortlessly make clean cuts that heal well. For higher branches, an extended tool like the ONE+™ Cordless 3m Pole Saw removes the need to balance dangerously on a ladder when performing hard-to-reach lopping. Start with the essentials: take out any dead, diseased or damaged branches. Remove branches that rub against each other to prevent wounds where disease could enter. Then think about what else you want to prune, considering the shape and space you need. Thinning the canopy lets in more light, while removing lower branches can free up room beneath the tree for plants or for access.
When selecting spring flowers, start by considering where they’ll grow. Most varieties prefer full sun or light shade, and they tend to bloom earlier in brighter spots because the soil warms up faster. Choosing the right location helps the plants thrive without extra effort.
As temperatures rise, check the areas where you planted your bulbs. New shoots breaking through the soil show they’re starting back into growth. If frost is still likely, cover tender growth with fleece or a light layer of mulch overnight to prevent damage. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails too, and choose wildlife-friendly barriers to stop them eating young shoots.
Spring bulbs don’t demand much, but they do grow better with the right care. Water when the surrounding soil begins to dry out – especially if the bulbs are planted in containers or areas that lose moisture quickly. Once leaves emerge, apply a balanced, general-purpose fertiliser to support strong growth and flowering. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to rot, so ensure the soil drains well and never stays soggy.
Once bulb flowers fade, remove the spent blooms so the plant doesn’t waste energy on producing seeds. Keep the leaves in place until they die back naturally, as they continue supplying the bulb with what it needs for next year’s growth. An additional feed after flowering also helps strengthen the bulbs so they return well the following season.
Spring is a crucial time for preparing your garden for the season ahead, and the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you're planting seeds, tackling your first pruning session, or feeding your plants, having the right equipment helps you work smarter and more efficiently. RYOBI’s cordless tools make essential gardening tasks easier, from fertilising to precise pruning. With the versatile ONE+ battery system, you can easily switch between jobs, keeping your garden healthy and thriving all season long. Discover our full range of garden tools and get the gear you need for a flourishing garden this spring. For more gardening tips and guidance, visit our learning hub.
Gardening Hub