How to Get on Top of a Very Neglected Garden

Are you looking for ways to get on top of a very neglected garden? Check out some great tips to help!

How to Get on Top of a Very Neglected Garden

Have you just moved into a new home and realized that the garden is a jungle? Or maybe your garden has been neglected for a few years, and you’re finally in the right frame of mind to get it sorted? Having a beautiful, usable outdoor space is great for getting outside more, especially if you have kids and it can be a fun and relaxing place for the whole family over the warmer months. Let’s talk about how you can tackle an overgrown and neglected garden to turn it into a lovely space again.   

Make a Plan

First things first, you need a plan- take a good look at your garden and think about what you want to achieve. Walk around, make notes, and maybe even sketch a rough map of your garden. Consider which plants you want to keep, which areas you want to clear, and any new features you might like to add, like a vegetable patch or a play area for the kids. Depending on the current condition of your garden and your DIY skills, you might need to get a landscaping company in to do some of the work for you and get it to a good standard. You might want to set up a seating area for outdoor meals or a cozy corner for reading and relaxing. Consider adding some garden furniture like a table and chairs, a bench, or even a hammock. Once you’re finished, planting some colorful flowers or adding a few pots with herbs and vegetables can also brighten up the space and make it more inviting. If your garden is in a particularly bad way you might need to remove sheds and pull down outbuildings, remove bushes and brambles, or clear lots of rubbish. Decide on a timeline for your work, you don’t have to do everything in one go.  Breaking it down into smaller tasks over several weekends can make the whole process less overwhelming. 

 

Get the Right Tools

Having the right tools makes the job a lot easier- at the very least you’ll need basic gardening tools like gloves, a spade, a rake, and pruning shears. If the garden is overgrown, you might also need heavier tools like a hedge trimmer, electric chainsaw, and a wheelbarrow for hauling the rubbish out. Don’t forget a sturdy pair of boots and some knee pads if you’ll be doing a lot of weeding. If you don’t own all the tools you need, consider borrowing from friends or family, or even renting from a local garden center. There’s no need to buy everything new if it’s not something you’ll use often.

 

Start with the Big Stuff

It can be tricky knowing where to begin but by tackling the bigger, more noticeable problems you’ll make some good progress early on. This might be cutting back overgrown bushes, trimming hedges, or mowing an overgrown lawn. Getting these large tasks out of the way first will instantly make the garden look more manageable and give you a sense of progress. Be careful when cutting back trees or large shrubs. If they are very big or close to buildings and power lines, it might be worth getting a professional to handle them.

Clear the Weeds

Weeds can quickly take over a garden if left unchecked. After dealing with the larger plants, spend some time clearing out the weeds. Pull them up by the roots to prevent them from growing back too quickly. If you have a lot of weeds, a weed puller or a hoe can make the job easier. If you prefer not to use chemical weed killers, consider natural alternatives like vinegar or boiling water for stubborn weeds although if you have a lot of them then it could be worth resorting to chemicals at least to get it under control initially. Covering the soil with mulch or landscape fabric after weeding can help prevent new weeds from taking hold.

 

Dispose of the Waste

Once you’ve cleared out the big plants and weeds, you’ll probably have a lot of garden waste. Depending on the amount, you might need several trips to the local tip or recycling center. Some areas offer green waste collection services, so check if this is available in your area. If you have a compost bin, consider composting some of the waste. It’s a great way to recycle plant material and create nutrient-rich compost for your garden. You could use an incinerator bin to burn things like sticks and wood, or you might need to hire a skip or removals company to get rid of it all.

 

Get Help from Friends and Family

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Gardening can be a big job, and having a few extra hands can make a huge difference. Invite friends or family over for a gardening day. If you have kids, get them involved too. It’s a great way for them to learn about nature and spend time outdoors. Give them simple tasks like collecting leaves or planting new flowers.

 

Maintain Your Garden

Once you’ve got your garden back in shape, the key is to maintain it regularly. Spend a little time each week doing basic tasks like weeding, mowing the lawn, and trimming plants. This way you’ll prevent it from becoming overgrown again. Having a regular garden routine can also be a great way to relax and enjoy being outside. It’s good for your physical health and mental wellbeing, and it’s a lovely way to spend time with family. If you’re unable or unwilling to keep on top of things, look into local gardeners. Hire someone to come in, even once a month to cut back shrubs, grass and do some weeding to keep things in order or by this time next year your garden will look the same again!