10 Tips to Get Your Garden Ready For Summer

Summer is here. With the weather getting quite warmer and the days becoming all the more brighter, it is quite natural for you and your family to spend more time outdoors in the garden. But, is your garden ready for the summer? If not, don’t worry! There’s still plenty of time to get your outdoor space into shape for those long lovely summer days ahead. Here, are some top tips to get your garden ready for summer.

10 Tips to Get Your Garden Ready For Summer

1. Tidy up and general maintenance

It’s the perfect time to tidy up your garden as spring comes to an end. This means removing any weeds, mulching the flower beds and mowing the grass.

Prune away dead flowers from your flowering plants and shrubs to promote healthy growth and keep them attractive. The same clean up method is applicable for your trees; trim off those dead or broken branches. Prune and shape up your trees.

Next, make your soil ready for planting. Clear out all weeds, turn the soil over with a pitchfork and rake it out. Give a boost to the soil by adding a top layer or manure or compost, a couple of weeks before planting something.

If you prefer a more natural feel to your outdoor space, then don’t overdo. Just a quick tidy-up is all it really needs.

2. Make a plan

It’s quite easy to get carried away at the gardening centre…seeds, seeds and more seeds!

So, make a plan what you want to grow before you go out to get the supplies. You have plenty of options: flowers, herbs, vegetables. You can also decide if you want to go for perennials which can save you from the trouble of planting anew.

Get an idea on the seeds you are planting in your garden. If you are that kind of person who aren’t sure about growing your plant from seed, then go and get starter plants that professionals have grown already.

Go, grab a pen and paper, make a plan and get going. If you are unsure about how you want to lay your garden out or if you want some advice you could always hire a local gardener to assist you in creating the perfect garden.

3. Prep your garden tools

It’s time to use your garden tools again. Pull out all those tools that have been sitting around all winter. Clean them off with soap and water, use mineral spirits on those wooden handles; mineral spirits prevent wooden handles from splintering. Now your garden tools are ready and you are good to go for planting.

4. Time to get planting

Add additional plants to fill in voids in your garden like marigold, petunias, and begonia. They not only add colour to your outdoor space, but also make your garden stand out.

Growing your own food in the garden is a great way to enjoy, be healthy, and help the environment. This is a great time to plant fast-growing summer vegetables like celery, cucumber and green beans. Lightly fertilize your flowering plants and vegetables every week or two using organic fertilizers, and harvest them regularly. Also, grow some climbers in your garden for shade and privacy.

5. Garden furniture.

Spruce up your garden furniture by using a power-washer or a scrubbing brush to remove dirt, algae and moss. Give a dramatic face-lift to the garden furniture, decking and fencing with a couple of fresh coats of wood stain or wood paint.

If the furniture is very old, then you might want to invest in some good quality furniture to help maximize enjoyment. Don’t forget to invest in some good quality throws and cushions for your outdoor comfort. Ensure your furniture and accessories are water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about bringing them inside every time it rains.

6. Add some shade

Awnings or a garden parasol are great options to include in your garden set for shade. You can even consider a gazebo, if you are likely to have guests outside

7. Illuminate your space

To create an inviting atmosphere in the evenings, illuminating the space is very important. Solar panel lights look great in the garden and are an eco-friendly way to light up your space when the sun goes down.

8. Don’t forget the path

Get rid of those stubborn stains, algae, and moss on paving. All you need is a bucket of hot water, a little lemon juice and a sqeeze of washing-up liquid in-addition to a sturdy deck-scrubber. Weeds that grow between slabs can be easily removed using a patio knife or an old knife.

9. Set-up a water system

With water rates getting high, it is always a great idea to do something to keep your water bills down. Plan to install a water butt and you’ll have rain water to water your plants. Water butts not only save money, but also save all those endless trips from the kitchen to the garden to bring water.

Another option is to setting up a water sprinkler system for consistent watering. You plants need more water during summer to survive the dry hot weather.

10. Create a rustic footpath

You might consider constructing a pathway out of wooden planks or flagstones. A footpath is easy to build and provides a nice and attractive aesthetic to your outdoor space, besides giving a convenient way to go across your garden or yard without wearing down the grass.

Now you know, setting up your own Eden is much easier that you thought. With a little bit of preparation work, you can set-up your garden for success before summer starts.