Spring may still be a few weeks away on the calendar, but the garden is already showing signs of life. Buds are swelling on shrubs, birds are getting busy in the hedges, and the first green shoots are appearing in borders and lawns. This in-between season is the perfect moment to prepare for the months ahead and make a few smart planting choices.

If you want a garden that thrives later in the year, now is the time to lay the groundwork.

Five Jobs to Set Your Garden Up for Success

1. Feed the soil

Healthy soil is the secret to healthy plants. Spread compost or well-rotted manure over empty beds and lightly fork it in. This improves structure, boosts nutrients and helps the soil retain moisture later in the year. You can have a look at our soil support range here.

2. Tidy containers and raised beds

Winter rain often leaves pots waterlogged and depleted. Remove old roots and weeds, top up with fresh peat-free compost, and check that drainage holes are clear before planting again.

3. Create supports early

Install stakes, obelisks and frames now before plants get going. This avoids damaging roots later and makes it easier to train climbers and perennials as they grow.

4. Recycle garden waste creatively

Thick stems and twigs can be pushed into the soil around emerging plants to act as natural supports. You can also pile branches behind a shed or hedge to make a wildlife stack, which gives insects and small creatures a safe place to shelter.

5. Prepare for pests without chemicals

As temperatures rise, slugs and snails will reappear. Barriers such as copper tape around pots, rough gravel on the soil surface and encouraging birds into the garden can all help reduce damage naturally.

Five Plants to Get in the Ground Now

1. Honeysuckle and evergreen climbers

Planting a climber now gives it time to establish before summer. Honeysuckle is ideal for fences and pergolas, with fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. Evergreen climbers such as Trachelospermum asiaticum provide year-round structure and are perfect for sheltered spots near the house.

2. Onions and shallots

Growing onions from sets is easy and reliable, even for beginners. Plant them directly into the soil or into deep containers, spacing them out so the tips are just visible above the surface. Shallots are especially rewarding, producing clusters of bulbs from a single set and storing well for winter use. Now is a great time to add in some sulphur for extra growing power!

3. Begonias for summer colour

For a splash of future colour, start begonia tubers indoors. Lay them hollow side up in trays of compost and keep them warm and bright. By early summer, they will be ready to plant outside in pots and hanging baskets, where they will flower for months.

4. Tomatoes for windowsills

Sow tomato seeds indoors now for strong young plants later. Choose compact or bush varieties if space is tight, or tumbling toms for baskets and pots. Keep seedlings somewhere warm and bright, and pot them on once they develop their first true leaves. Find our bestselling tomato feed here.

5. Lungwort for shady areas

If you have a dull corner under trees or near a wall, lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a great choice. It produces early flowers in pinks and blues and has beautifully spotted leaves that look good long after the blooms fade. It is also popular with bees emerging from winter.

Five Ways to Enjoy the Garden Right Now

1. Sow hardy flowers for pollinators

Calendula, cornflowers and larkspur can be sown directly outside once the soil is workable. They bring quick colour and provide early nectar for insects.

2. Discover edible plants on your doorstep

You may already have edible leaves growing without realising. Young nettles, ground elder and sorrel can be harvested for soups or pestos. Always identify plants carefully before eating and only take small amounts.

3. Plan your summer display

As bulbs and early plants appear, you will quickly see where colour is missing. Take photos or sketch your beds so you remember where to add plants later in the year. This makes autumn bulb planting far more effective.

4. Support wildlife waking up

Birds are nesting and small mammals are on the move. Keep bird feeders topped up, leave out shallow dishes of water, and avoid disturbing leaf piles and log stacks where creatures may still be sheltering.

5. Make use of what you already own

Old washing-up bowls, storage boxes and takeaway tubs can all become plant containers with a few drainage holes. Clear plastic boxes also work well as mini propagators for seedlings.

This early part of the year is full of quiet promise. A little attention now, sowing seeds, feeding the soil and preparing spaces, will make all the difference once spring properly arrives. Think of it as setting the stage for the garden you want to enjoy in summer!