Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start preparing your garden for the season ahead. The warmer weather and longer days offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy your outdoor space and make the most of your plants and flowers. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some top tips for preparing your garden for summer.

Clearing up debris

The first step in preparing your garden for summer is to clear up any debris left over from winter. This may include dead leaves, fallen branches, and other debris that has accumulated over the colder months. This can be done using a rake or leaf blower, and it’s important to dispose of any debris properly, either by composting or disposing of it in the appropriate manner.

Watering your plants

Summer can be a hot and dry season, so it’s important to ensure that your plants are watered regularly. The amount of water your plants need will depend on their individual needs, but a general rule of thumb is to water them deeply once or twice a week. This will help to promote healthy growth and prevent them from drying out.

Feeding your plants

As the temperature starts to rise, your plants will need extra nourishment to help them thrive. Consider using a slow-release fertiliser to provide your plants with the nutrients they need. This can be applied to the soil around the base of the plants and will gradually release the nutrients over the summer months.

Add mulch

Mulch is a material layer applied to soil, commonly composed of chopped leaves, hay, straw, grass clippings, bark, among other options. Not only does it contribute to a tidy garden appearance, but it also aids in water conservation by hindering weed growth and retaining soil moisture. Incorporating mulch into your flower beds minimises water loss through evaporation during hot spells, meaning you won’t have to water your plants as often.

Pruning and deadheading

Pruning and deadheading are important tasks that should be done regularly throughout the summer months. This involves removing any dead or damaged parts of the plant, as well as cutting back any overgrown branches or stems. This will help to promote healthy growth and ensure that your plants look their best throughout the season.

Pest control

Summer is also the season for pests and insects, which can cause damage to your plants and flowers. There are a number of natural pest control methods that you can use to keep these pests at bay, such as companion planting or using insect-repelling plants like marigolds. You can also use organic pest control methods like neem oil or soap sprays to help control pests.

Adding new plants

Summer is a great time to add new plants to your garden. Consider adding some colourful annuals or perennials to your borders, or planting some herbs or vegetables in containers. Adding new plants will help to add interest and diversity to your garden, and can also provide you with fresh produce throughout the summer months.

Attract wildlife

Finally, encouraging wildlife to visit your garden can enhance its beauty, and there are various methods to attract creatures such as birds, butterflies, and hedgehogs.

To begin, it’s crucial to create an accessible environment. By incorporating a couple of holes at the base of your fence, animals can enter and exit your garden with ease – make sure to check with your neighbours beforehand!

Preparing your garden for summer will the allow the perfect opportunity to enjoy your outdoor space and make the most of your plants and flowers. By following these top tips, you can ensure that your garden looks its best throughout the season, and that you can enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest.

Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @wearestarthur of your lush green gardens, we might even feature you on our page!