A FEW dry days quickly bring on a rush of spring fever. Before other tasks beckon and provide distraction, digging and manuring or composting need to be dealt with.
Even in urban areas, many garden centres offer bags of farmyard manure. This is caviar to plants and the perfect material for preparing ground for growing vegetables, flowers or shrubs. The older the stuff the better, and for best effect it should be dug in well. Homemade compost made from garden or kitchen waste is also excellent and where manure is not to be had this will be essential.
Organic materials such as these enrich and condition soil and provide ideal growing conditions. Mushroom compost is also good and available in many areas but it will not be high in nutrients. It can be on the limey side so avoid using it on ericaceous plants.
Gardeners by the seaside should avail of seaweed. Gathered from the beach it can be brought directly to the garden. Even as a top dressing, it will be superb.