25/08/26
Spring is one of the busiest times of year across New Zealand. From calving and lambing to planting, machinery maintenance, gardening and getting outdoor projects underway, there’s plenty to organise before summer arrives.
Whether you’re running a farm, horticulture property, lifestyle block or simply getting your home and shed ready for the warmer months, here are the key jobs worth tackling now.
Spring is also the perfect time to ask: does your shed still work for the way you use your property? If machinery is being stored outside, you’re constantly moving things to get to other things, or you’ve simply run out of room, it could be time to rethink your storage.
For farmers, spring can mean calving, lambing, planting and a significant increase in machinery use.
Getting these jobs done early can save valuable time when the season really gets underway.
For orchards, market gardens, nurseries and horticultural properties, spring is the start of another busy growing season.
Check irrigation, pumps, hoses and filters, prepare planting equipment, organise harvest supplies and make sure machinery and storage areas are ready for increased use.
Don’t forget the shed itself - keeping fertiliser, tools, equipment and machinery organised and protected can make a big difference during the busiest months.
Spring maintenance isn't just for commercial properties. Lifestyle block and residential owners can use the change of season to:
If your spring to-do list is already getting out of hand, start here:
1. Clean and organise your shed
2. Check the roof and gutters
3. Service your machinery
4. Check fencing and gates
5. Check water and irrigation
6. Prepare livestock areas
7. Organise tools and equipment
8. Check safety and fire equipment
9. Clear accessways and hazards
10. Work out whether your current shed still meets your needs
Start by checking the roof, wall cladding, gutters, doors, lighting, ventilation, floors and storage areas. Look for leaks, corrosion, damage and anything that could become a problem during the busy season. Spring is also a good time to clean and reorganise machinery and equipment storage.
Common spring checks include tractors, loaders, mowers, spraying equipment, trailers and other machinery that will see increased use. Check fluids, filters, tyres, batteries, hydraulic systems, guards and moving components, and follow the manufacturer's servicing requirements.
A good spring farm preparation plan should cover machinery maintenance, livestock areas, fencing, stock water, feed storage, farm buildings, biosecurity, equipment and safety. Calving and lambing operations should also make sure essential equipment is clean, accessible and stocked.
Lifestyle block owners should check fencing, gates, water systems, animal shelters, machinery, gardens, sheds and outdoor areas. Spring is also a good time to clean and organise storage before the property becomes busier over summer.
Clean and declutter the shed, inspect the roof and cladding, clear gutters, check doors and lighting, service machinery, organise tools and equipment, and make sure accessways and safety equipment are clear.
Ideally, start before the busiest part of spring. Getting machinery, storage, livestock areas and property maintenance sorted early gives you more time to deal with repairs or improvements before demand increases.
If machinery no longer fits comfortably, valuable equipment is being stored outside, access is difficult or you're constantly rearranging your shed, it may be worth considering whether your current building still suits your operation.
Spring has a way of exposing everything that wasn't sorted over winter.
The machinery comes out, livestock need more attention, planting begins and projects get underway. Suddenly, the shed that seemed big enough last year is full again.
If you’re running out of storage or struggling to fit everything you need under cover, now is the time to get ahead of the spring rush.
Wide Span Sheds designs premium NZ steel buildings for farms, horticulture, lifestyle blocks, workshops, storage and more.
Get your shed sorted before the busy season →
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