As the days grow longer and the sunny days start to outnumber the rainy ones, it’s the perfect time to get your garden in shape for summer. Here’s how to give your outdoor space a little TLC so it thrives in the warmer months ahead.
Start by clearing away any winter debris. Remove dead leaves, branches and weeds to give your flowerbeds a clean slate. This not only makes your garden look neat, but it also helps your plants get the light and space they need to flourish. Next up is to give your soil some love. In UK gardens, soil has a tendency to be heavy and clay-rich so digging in some compost or well-rotted manure is a great way to boost nutrients and improve drainage. Healthy soil means healthier, more resilient plants.
When it comes to planting, choose varieties that love the summer. Vibrant annuals like petunias and marigolds will fill your beds with colour, while hardy perennials such as lavender and salvia provide reliable blooms and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Adding a layer of mulch around your plants will help to keep moisture in, suppress weeds and keep roots cool – an essential step for healthy summer growth. While you’re at it, prune back any leggy growth and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
With summer often comes dry spells, so it’s important to water smartly. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. If you can, install a soaker hose or irrigation system to deliver water directly to the roots where it’s needed most.
Don’t forget the lawn! Give it a feed to boost growth, mow regularly and avoid cutting it too short. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn can act as a natural mulch, helping your lawn stay green and healthy through dry spells.
Finally, take some time to create a summer oasis. Add a comfy bench or some solar lights to enjoy your garden on warm evenings. After all, gardening isn’t just about hard work – it’s about creating a space you love to spend time in. By taking these simple steps, you’ll set your garden up for a season of vibrant growth and summer enjoyment. Happy gardening!
