Whether you are a green-fingered fanatic and can’t wait to pull on your gardening gloves and get stuck in, or if you consider the maintenance of your outside space as just another household task that you need to tick off a list, you can’t deny that the arrival of summer is the perfect time to update and refresh your garden.
From the planting of spring flowering bulbs to sprucing up your winter-weathered garden furniture, keep reading to get all the tips from our team on how to make your garden summer-ready in six simple steps.
Six Steps to Making Your Garden Ready For Summer
1. Get underway with weeding
Possibly the most boring and time-consuming of all the garden maintenance tasks is weeding, but unfortunately, it is a crucial step in getting your garden summer-ready.
Start by removing any weeds that have accumulated in your flower beds, and then look to remove any dead plants from around your garden.
You can also tidy up your borders using a strimmer or an edging tool.
2. Tend to your lawn
After a long winter without a trim, your lawn is no doubt in need of a good mowing. It is always best to mow your lawn when it is dry, and you should also leave the grass clippings where they fall, as this will provide the soil with moisture and nutrients, resulting in a healthier lawn.
Now is also the ideal time to aerate your lawn. This can be done either by hand with a fork or with an aerating machine.
3. Fix up your fence
Fences can take quite a battering over the winter months, and nothing can make your garden look as neglected and uncared for as a faded wooden fence. Therefore, it is vitally important that you repaint and treat your fence to ensure it looks its best once the sun finally starts shining again.
If you have painted your fence previously, you should first strip off this colour before you start the re-painting and treating process.
The colour of your fence is completely dependent on your personal preference, although it should be noted that darker stains can make your garden appear smaller. If in doubt, try to choose a shade that will complement the plants and flowers in your garden, as well as any garden furniture that you may have.
4. Set up a scrubbing station
Depending on the items you have in your garden, you may have a fair amount of cleaning on your hands. From a rusty BBQ to grubby outdoor seating to debris-littered decking; essential cleaning will definitely be on your list of tasks for ensuring your garden is summer-ready.
To remove rust from your BBQ, simply mix one cup of baking soda with a little bit of vinegar, apply it to the affected area, leave it for half an hour, and then scrub it away with soapy water and a sponge.
Outdoor tables and chairs can also be revived with just a bucket of warm, soapy water and a bit of elbow grease!
5. Sow your seeds
Whether you favour flowers or prefer growing a selection of edible plants, now is the perfect time to start deciding what you want to grow and where. Once you have established your preferred plants, you should start ordering your flowering bulbs and seeds.
Now is also a good time to hunt down and eliminate any hibernating garden pests that may attack and destroy your precious plants and produce once they awake from their slumber.
You can either use a shop-bought pesticide or make your own soap spray that will effectively eliminate any pests. Simply mix one tablespoon of dishwashing soap with one gallon of water and spray directly onto the insects.
6. Install a water butt
Keeping your garden looking fresh and vibrant requires a lot of watering, especially over the warm summer months. Using water from your tap can send your utility bills spiralling if you have a water meter fitted, so instead, install your own water butt.
There are a wide variety of sizes and styles to choose from, including slimline options if you do not have much space and second-hand butts available on eBay if you are keen to save money and do your bit for the environment.
Other water-saving tips for your garden include:
- Using a watering can instead of a hose pipe
- Watering your plants when the temperature is at its coolest, either first thing in the morning or later in the evening
- Not overwatering your plants
- Don’t worry if your lawn becomes scorched. It will recover quickly once the rain returns
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Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Your Garden Ready for Summer
How do I ensure my garden soil is ready for summer planting?
Prepare your flower beds by incorporating good compost into the garden soil. This essential step provides nutrients for healthy plant growth during the summer months.
What’s the best way to start composting for an effective garden spring clean?
Kickstart your garden spring clean by setting up a compost bin. Dispose of garden waste, including weeds and dead plants, from an old flower bed to create nutrient-rich compost, enhancing the overall quality of your flower beds.
Which climbing plants, such as sweet peas, are ideal for a vibrant summer garden?
Elevate your outdoor space with climbing plants like a sweet pea, known for their fragrant blooms. These colourful additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute a delightful scent to your summer garden.
How should I maintain woody plants during the warmer months for optimal growth?
Ensure the health of your woody plants with a thorough spring clean. Prune any dead or diseased branches and apply a layer of good compost around the base, promoting robust growth and maintaining the vibrancy of your garden throughout the summer in an eco-friendly way.
