You only get one chance to make a first impression, and your garden is usually the first thing buyers see.

Gardens grow vigorously at this time of year. If kept unchecked your property can appear unkempt. A little input now could pay dividends when it comes to the sale, so here are some seasonal tips:

• Have your lawnmower serviced and sharpened for a neat stripy lawn. During April the grass could need cutting twice a week and, with garden machinery engineers fully booked, you do not need a breakdown!

• As the frosts should have passed, instant effect can be gained by using colourful hanging baskets. You can buy these ready-made from garden centres, and at about £30 a go, this is money very well spent. Just remember to water them, and if you are going away, ask your estate agent to help out.

• Bedding plants also provide instant colour, but remember to dead-head them regularly so they continue flowering throughout the season.

• As your roses and other blooms start to appear, keep an eye on pests such as aphids. These can easily ruin a bloom but can be controlled with sprays, or better still, natural remedies such as ladybirds, which can now be bought for this purpose.

Happy gardening!