As any experienced gardener would admit, the seasons are different and present different problems and possibilities for the garden. It is, therefore, important to have the appropriate gardening accessories and tools for each season to maintain your garden all year round. At Zephyr, we know the specifics of Indian gardens and the care they require, and that’s why we have put together a guide with the basics for each season. From this article, even if you are a novice gardener or an experienced one, some helpful tips will assist you in being ready and making sure that your garden is colourful.
Spring: A Fresh Start
Spring is the time for rebirth and your garden is not an exception. With the onset of spring, it is high time to remove all the signs of winter and welcome new growth in your garden.
Essential Garden Tools for Spring:
Pruning Shears:
In the winter, the plants require some cutting to ensure that the new growth is healthy and developed. Prune the plants using sharp pruning shears to trim off the dead or damaged branches.
Hand Trowel and Cultivator:
Planting new seeds and bulbs is best done during the spring season. A strong hand trowel is a must for making small holes to plant and a cultivator to ensure that the soil is well prepared to accommodate the roots.
Garden Gloves:
Shield your hands from thorns, dirt, and blisters by wearing the best-fitting and long-lasting gloves. Choose a pair that is comfortable for your feet because the weather begins to get warm in spring.
Additional Accessories:
Planters and Pots:
It is in spring when one can afford to try out new plants. Select colourful planters that reflect the new spirit of the season.
Watering Can:
A good watering can with a long spout helps to water the plants from the bottom and prevent the soil from being soaked.
Summer: Managing the Heat
Summer in India is very hot and sunny as it is one of the hottest countries in the world. Your garden requires a little more attention as the temperatures rise and the sun beats down.
Must-Have Gardening Tools for Summer:
Hose Pipe and Sprinkler System: Watering your garden is very important, especially during the summer season. The use of hose pipes with adjustable nozzles or even the sprinkler system will make this task easier and more efficient.
Mulching Tools:
Mulching assists in holding soil moisture and also it cools the roots. Organic mulch should be spread around plants using a garden rake.
Shade Netting:
For sensitive plants, shade netting can also be used to protect the plants from the excessive heat of the sun.
Additional Accessories:
Garden Umbrella or Canopy:
For those who like to spend their time in the garden, the garden umbrella or canopy will help to find a shaded place for rest in the hot summer.
Insect Repellents:
Summer is also the time when the pests are most likely to be seen. Repel them with natural bug sprays or traps if you do not want them around your plants.
Fall: Time for Transition
Summer is replaced by fall which means that the temperature drops and you have to get ready to protect your garden during the winter. It is a period of change and what needs to be done is to maintain.
Essential Garden Instruments for Fall:
Rake and Leaf Blower:
Fall means falling of leaves. A rake is used in gathering them into piles while a blower, especially one with a blowing pipe long enough, can help in the process, especially in large gardens.
Compost Bin:
Garden waste such as autumn leaves are ideal for composting. A compost bin is useful in that it allows you to recycle organic material and improve the soil you use in your garden.
Garden Fork:
Dig the soil with a garden fork to loosen it, and poke holes in the soil to provide the necessary oxygen for plant growth and to ready the soil for the next planting season.
Additional Accessories:
Protective Covers:
Young plants should be covered with fabric during the first sign of frost in the season. These are especially important in the northern parts of India where the winters are severe.
Outdoor Lighting:
When days are getting shorter, proper lighting will enable you to spend more time in the garden. Lighting that is solar power is energy efficient.
Winter: Nurturing Dormancy
Winter in India is not very cold but can be cold depending on the part of the country you are in. The idea of this season is to preserve the plants and to make sure they stay alive during the winter.
Must-Have Gardening Tools for Winter:
Greenhouse or Cold Frame:
In areas where winter is severe, tender plants can be protected from frost by either a greenhouse or cold frame.
Pruning Tools:
This is the right time to prune most of the deciduous trees and shrubs in your compound. Trim them using sharp pruning shears and saws in preparation for the next growth cycle.
Garden Hoe:
A garden hoe is handy in pulling out winter weeds that may grow and fight for nutrients with your plants.
Additional Accessories:
Frost Cloths:
These are crucial in preventing frost on your plants, especially during the night. They assist in maintaining soil heat and avoiding frost injury.
Bird Feeders:
Winter is a harsh season for birds, so wouldn’t it be nice to put a feeder in your garden? It does not only benefit the birds but also brings some liveliness to your garden during the less active seasons.
Final Thoughts
Gardening is a hobby that is practiced all year round and with the right garden equipment and accessories, you will be able to cultivate a good garden. At Zephyr, we have a complete range of gardening implements that are required to meet the challenges of gardening in India. Arm yourself with the right equipment and your garden will pay you back in glamour and food production all year round.