As June arrives and summer approaches, many gardeners are eager to tidy up their outdoor spaces. However, horticulturist Peter Dowdall, known as The Irish Gardener, is urging caution. He advises against trimming hedges this month for a surprising reason: birds are still actively nesting.
Why You Should Wait to Trim Hedges
Peter Dowdall, who has over 30 years of gardening experience, explains that many people are unaware of how late into the summer birds continue to nest. He says, "I would never recommend cutting hedges before the end of August. What looks like an ordinary hedge can still be full of active nests, and trimming at the wrong time can destroy them."
He emphasizes that a more natural garden is often healthier and better for wildlife. "Gardening is not always about doing more. Very often the best gardeners are the ones who learn when not to act," he adds.
Other Gardening Tips for Summer
Dowdall also warns against pruning hydrangeas, even if they look unruly. He notes that many people panic when hydrangeas appear tired or floppy, but the issue is usually stress or lack of moisture, not a need for pruning.
Another common mistake is watering plants little and often. Dowdall explains that this only dampens the soil surface and can weaken plants over time. Instead, he recommends a single deep soak, which is "worth far more than five quick splashes." Watering should be done in the morning or evening, as midday watering under a blazing sun is "incredibly inefficient" due to evaporation.
He also stresses the importance of building resilient gardens in a changing climate, with healthy soil being fundamental. Mulching around plants helps suppress weeds, slow evaporation, and improve soil structure over time.
