Whether you’re looking to find a cost-effective way to fill your outdoor space with colour, upgrade your toolkit on a budget, or simply be a bit more economical with your planting, Dobbies Garden Centres has outlined its tips on how you can get set for spring for less.

From propagation kits and great value seeds to handy gardening tools and young plants that start from just £1.69, Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, reveals how you can get the most out of your garden with Dobbies.

Propagation

Nigel says that one of the most economical ways to fill your garden with colour is through propagation. Seeds are more cost-effective than finished plants, and if you start propagating seeds indoors now, they will will germinate in time for planting out in spring. Nigel recommends browsing Dobbies’ new-in selection of seed packs and using a propagator to germinate seeds on a sunny windowsill or in a warm, bright spot like a greenhouse.

Great value seeds now available at Dobbies include Cosmos, Sweet Pea, Marigold, Lavender and Foxglove. Nigel says you can also sow grow your own varieties now, including peppers, tomatoes, aubergines, broad beans and cucumber, for a thriving harvest that’s both tasty and good value.

Young plants

In addition to seeds, Nigel says young plants, sometimes known as kinder or plug plants, are another great way for gardeners to get a head start on their summer containers for less.

This year, Dobbies has 150 varieties of new young plants in stores, including Bidens Blazing Fire, Lobelia Waterfall Blue Ice, Petunia Fanfare and Verbena Showboat. The garden centre also has novelty varieties available for those looking to add a special touch to displays with vibrant patterns and unique designs. Priced at just £1.69 each, or 8 for £10, these are a fantastic economical way to fill your pots, hanging baskets and window boxes with colour and fragrance later in the year.

When it comes to looking after young plants, Nigel notes the similarities to propagating seeds and suggests nurturing young plants indoors or in a warm greenhouse until the risk of frost has passed. Then when temperatures warm up, you can begin to harden them off in preparation for planting outdoors. Nigel says this process is particularly important as it will prevent transplant shock and will help strengthen plants’ stems and roots.

Great value tools

(All Dobbies’ own-brand) Hand trowel, £4.99; Hand fork, £4.99; Secateurs, £12.99; Garden border spade, £24.99; Lawn-edging shears, £32.99

The right gardening tools can make the world of a difference, however, Nigel says you don’t need to spend a fortune on a full kit to get your garden looking its best.

In terms of gardening essentials, Nigel recommends a few basics including secateurs for pruning plants and deadheading; a hand fork and trowel for container planting; a spade and border fork to get beds and borders in shape; and lawn-edging shears and a rake for spring lawncare.

To browse Dobbies’ full range of products to help you get set for spring, and to find your nearest Dobbies store, visit www.dobbies.com.