The weather is finally starting to get warmer here in the UK, and the arrival of spring will be welcome news to those of us who are keen gardeners. Summer will be here before we know it, which means more and more time spent outside enjoying the sunshine. 

Because of this, it's likely you'll want your garden to be in perfect condition for those long, bright days. After the long and cold winter, your garden will be in need of a bit of TLC, but thankfully this doesn't have to be a long and tasking process. According to gardening expert Calum Maddock at HomeHow.co.uk, you can get a head-start on your garden prep by doing one simple task when it comes to your soil. 

He said: "Over the winter months, your lawn area may have become a little neglected due to the inability to mow during frosty periods.

"You can cut the grass for the first time as soon as it starts to grow. Level out any areas that are uneven and plant new grass seeds if needed in patchy areas."

As well as this, if you've got any flower beds around your lawn, these will need to be 'spruced up'. 

Soil becomes compacted when the weather is cold, so take a few mintues to loosen it up with a spade. Then, add any fresh compost and mulch that is required to allow for the 'perfect spring bloom'.

You might also find that your garden has more weeds than usual after the winter. You should remove as many of these weeds as you can to prepare the soil, either with a weed killer or by hand.

It can also be helpful to add some weed control fabric, as this can be used to stop and control the growth of weeds in your soil beds.

Callum added: "Rake the soil to keep the airflow going and ensure that new perennial plants have the best possible materials for growing when you start planting them. Adding a new layer of topsoil will ensure that your pots and beds are ready for spring."

Now is also an excellent time to start planting some seeds indoors, so that you can transfer them outside when the soil starts to get warmer.

Callum said: "Tomatoes, strawberries, kale, and cabbage are among the easiest seeds to start sowing indoors.

"This will give them a head start in the growing process before being moved outside when the soil is warmer, and the sun is brighter."