Why This Season Matters

Spring is the critical window for garden maintenance because most plants, lawn grass, and timber structures all respond rapidly once soil temperatures rise above 7°C. Work done now — treating fences, repairing slabs, feeding soil — sets the condition of your garden for the next six months. Leaving it until April or May means competing with active plant growth and often missing the dry spells needed for treatments to cure properly.

In the UK, late February through to the end of March is typically the best time to act: frosts are usually light and infrequent, the ground is workable, and timber preservatives adhere far better to dry, cool surfaces than to sun-warmed wood in summer. Getting ahead of the season means less reactive repair work later.

Your Complete Checklist

• Clear winter debris, dead foliage, and fallen leaves from beds and borders — see the Garden Guide
• Inspect and treat timber fence panels and posts — Treat and Preserve a Fence
• Check and replace any damaged or leaning fence posts — Replace a Fence Post
• Clean and pressure wash the patio to remove moss and algae — Clean and Pressure Wash a Patio
• Lift and re-bed any sunken or rocking patio slabs — Fix Sunken Patio Slabs
• Inspect and repair decking boards, then apply a fresh coat of treatment — Repair Decking Boards
• Treat and stain decking to protect it for the season ahead — Treat and Stain Decking
• Check the shed roof for missing felt and repair any damage — Felt a Shed Roof
• Build or refill raised beds ready for planting — Fill a Raised Bed Cheaply
• Scarify, aerate, and overseed the lawn to repair winter damage — Scarify and Aerate a Lawn
• Feed and weed the lawn once growth begins in earnest — Feed and Weed a Lawn
• Check and reinstate the garden tap if isolated over winter — Fix a Garden Tap

Step-by-Step for Each Task

Treating fence panels and posts: Start by brushing off any loose dirt, algae, or flaking old preservative with a stiff brush. Allow the timber to dry for at least 24 hours. Apply a water-based fence preservative or oil-based stain using a wide brush or garden sprayer, working it into all joints, end grain, and the base of posts. Two coats give better protection — allow the first to dry fully before applying the second. Early spring is ideal because the timber is cool and porous.

Cleaning and repairing the patio: Remove any furniture and sweep away loose debris. Apply a suitable patio cleaner to tackle moss and algae, leave to dwell for the time stated on the label, then pressure wash using a fan nozzle — not a pencil jet — to avoid blasting out pointing. Once dry, check for sunken or rocking slabs. Lift them, add or remove sharp sand to re-level, then re-bed on a fresh mortar mix. Re-point any cracked joints once the mortar has set.

Repairing and treating decking: Walk the deck slowly and probe any boards that feel soft or springy — these need replacing before the season starts. Once all boards are sound, sweep thoroughly and apply a dedicated decking oil or stain with a wide brush, working along the grain. Do this on a dry day above 5°C. For decking board repairs, replace like-for-like in terms of timber species and thickness to maintain a flush surface.

Overhauling raised beds: Check the timber sides for rot, especially at corner joints and where boards meet the soil. Replace any soft sections. Top up beds with a mixture of topsoil and well-rotted compost — a 50:50 blend works well for most vegetables. Aim for a slight mound in the centre to allow for settling. Once filled, cover with a breathable membrane to warm the soil for two to three weeks before planting, which can bring forward your first sowing date considerably.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

• Stiff-bristled brush and hand brush for clearing debris
• Pressure washer with fan nozzle attachment
• Patio or paving cleaner (algae/moss treatment)
• Pointing trowel and mortar mix for re-bedding slabs
• Sharp sand for levelling under patio slabs
• Fence preservative or timber stain (water-based or oil-based)
• Wide paintbrush or garden sprayer for applying preservative
• Decking oil or stain and wide applicator brush
• Hammer and pry bar for removing damaged decking boards
• Replacement decking boards (matching thickness and species)
• Shed roofing felt and clout nails or felt adhesive
• Topsoil and well-rotted compost for raised beds
• Lawn scarifier or spring-tine rake
• Grass seed and pre-seed fertiliser
• PTFE tape and adjustable spanner for garden tap checks
• Safety gloves and eye protection

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Treating timber in wet or frosty conditions: Fence preservatives and decking stains will not bond properly if the wood is damp or below 5°C. Always wait for a dry spell of at least 24–48 hours.
• Pressure washing before checking patio pointing: A high-pressure jet will blast out weakened or crumbling mortar. Check joints first and re-bed any sunken slabs before washing.
• Scarifying the lawn too early: If you rake or scarify while the grass is still dormant (soil below 7°C), you risk tearing out healthy root systems. Wait until grass is actively growing and you have mowed it at least once.
• Skipping the shed roof inspection: Lifting a couple of sheets of roofing felt to check the boards below takes minutes, but a small leak left over winter can rot the entire roof structure by summer. Deal with it as part of a broader shed repair check.
• Overfilling raised beds without checking drainage: Piling in fresh compost without ensuring the base drains freely creates waterlogged conditions that rot roots. If water pools in your beds, fork up the base layer and mix in horticultural grit before refilling.