Summer is when the garden truly becomes an extension of the home, offering a space for al fresco dining, barbecues, or simply relaxing in the sun. With June marking the start of the season, now is the ideal time to complete last-minute tasks that will ensure your garden remains welcoming and beautiful throughout the warmer months. Alex Peters, gardening expert at Checkatrade, shares essential jobs to tackle now for a thriving summer garden.
Stagger Your Planting
To enjoy a continuous display of blooms all summer, stagger the planting of summer-flowering bulbs. Plant a few each week to ensure a steady flow of flowers. Although time is limited, there is still an opportunity to plant favourites such as dahlias and gladioli.
Dig Up Any Eyesores
Spring is the perfect time to remove dead or unwanted plants and tackle weeds before they establish deep roots. If the ground is too hard, consider installing a water butt to collect rainwater, which can dampen the soil and make lifting plants easier. Alternatively, hiring a professional gardener with specialist equipment can save time and effort.
Shape Up Overgrown Plants
With the risk of frost largely passed in late spring and early summer, it is an excellent time to prune plants like hydrangeas and late-flowering hibiscus. Proper pruning encourages healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Get Your Lawn Ship-Shape
A damaged lawn can detract from the overall appearance of your garden. Focus on lawn care now, before temperatures rise, by feeding the grass with accredited products to provide essential nutrients. Regular watering and cutting are also crucial, as is raking up dead leaves and debris that can affect soil health.
Scrub the Decks
Damaged or dirty decking can ruin your outdoor space. Give your deck or patio a thorough clean, opting for professional cleaning if dirt has built up or caused damage. After cleaning, apply a fresh stain or sun-resistant product to protect the material from summer weather. For quick results, services like Checkatrade Express can connect you with a gardener for efficient clean-up and preparation.
Polish Those Borders
A tidy edge between lawn and flower beds creates an instant, professional finish. Use a spade or edger to create sharp lines, and add a fresh layer of mulch or bark to borders to hide messy soil and suppress weeds. This simple step makes the garden look polished with minimal effort.
Sharpen Your Shears
Before summer heat arrives, sharpen your gardening tools. Dull shears can damage plants and invite disease, so keeping blades sharp ensures clean cuts and healthy growth.
