A busy few months lie ahead in the garden, so it’s important to make sure that all your tools are in good shape.

Here are a few items to add to your garden checklist:

• Sharpen and clean spades, hoes, secateurs and loppers. Wipe the blades of secateurs and loppers with methylated spirits to kill any possible fungal residues.
• Take your lawnmower and your edge trimmer for a service.
• Have a rectangle of foam cut out, cover it with thick plastic and use it as a kneeling pad for when you’re planting seedlings. Your knees will thank you!
  
• Buy a new pair of gardening gloves, as well as gardening goggles to protect your eyes when spraying plants, or using the edge trimmer.
• No garden should be without a watering can. Use one with clearly marked measurements on the outside. This will enable you to dilute liquid fertilizer easily, and then water it directly on to your plants.
• Check your automatic irrigation system for leaks and ensure that all sprayer heads are working and are optimally positioned.