There comes a funny time every year when the garden starts playing tricks on you.

The days are getting longer. The sun has a little more warmth in it. The daffodils are popping up, social media is full of tomatoes, cucumbers and climbing beans, and suddenly it feels like everyone else’s garden has exploded into spring.

If you garden in a cool climate or somewhere prone to late frosts, this is exactly the time to keep your wits about you.

Here in the Southern Highlands, I’ve learnt that sunshine doesn’t always mean it’s time to plant everything.

Our last frost is often in October, and one cold night can undo weeks of enthusiasm.

Spring Is Coming… But Not Quite Yet

This is one of the most exciting times of the gardening year because everything is waking up.

The lawn starts growing again.

The weeds suddenly remember they exist.

Perennials begin shooting.

Trees are covered in buds that seem to appear overnight.

The temptation is to race outside and fill every empty garden bed.

Instead, I’m slowing myself down.

My Greenhouse Is My Safety Net

I am planting more this week.

Just not outside.

The greenhouse is becoming my insurance policy while I wait for the weather to make up its mind.

Broccoli, cauliflower, beetroot, lettuces, herbs and peas are all getting a head start under cover where they’re protected from frost, wind and the occasional icy morning.

They’re also protected from another problem…

The rabbits.

My night-vision camera still hasn’t arrived, so until I know exactly who’s visiting my vegetable beds overnight, I’d rather keep my seedlings safe than donate them to the local wildlife.

The rabbits won last year.

I’m hoping this year will be a little different.

The Garden Doesn’t Need More Plants Yet…

It Needs a Tidy Up.

This weekend isn’t really about planting.

It’s about preparing.

I’ll be:

• pulling out those unruly winter weeds before they seed
• giving the lawn its first proper tidy as growth picks up
• deadheading the last of the hydrangeas (yes… I’m still working through them!)
• trimming the wisterias before all the fresh green growth appears
• checking over the raised beds
• topping up compost where it’s needed

None of those jobs are particularly exciting.

But they’re the jobs that make spring much easier.

Small Jobs Become Big Wins

I’ve learnt that this in-between season rewards preparation.

Every weed removed now is one less competing with vegetables next month.

Every shrub pruned now grows back stronger.

Every tray of seedlings started now will be ready when the weather finally gives the green light.

It’s easy to feel behind when everyone online seems weeks ahead.

The truth is, every garden has its own timetable.

Mine just happens to include frosts, strong winds and a healthy respect for patience.

Looking Ahead

Hopefully, by the time the last frost comes and goes, my greenhouse will be full of strong, healthy seedlings ready to move into the garden.

Until then, I’m happy to keep pottering.

Preparing.

Tidying.

Growing quietly behind the glass.

Because gardening isn’t a race.

It’s about working with your own climate, not someone else’s.

Mrs E Tip

If you garden in a frost-prone area, don’t compare your garden to someone else’s online.

Compare it to what your garden looked like last week.

Nature works to its own calendar, and your best results usually come from patience rather than rushing.

Final Thoughts

This time of year can be deceiving.

A sunny afternoon makes you think spring has arrived.

A frosty morning quickly reminds you it hasn’t.

So this weekend, I’ll enjoy the longer days, tidy the garden, fill the greenhouse and let nature set the pace.

Spring will come.

There’s no need to hurry it.