Preparing your garden for summer can feel overwhelming—especially if you're not an avid gardener, you're elderly, or you're simply busy with work and family life. But with longer days and rising temperatures on the way, it’s the perfect time to start your summer garden maintenance. From lawn care tips to pest control in gardens, here are eight essential garden jobs to help you create a vibrant, healthy, and low-maintenance outdoor space that thrives all season long.
Kick off your summer garden clean-up by clearing away dead leaves, fallen branches, and other debris that’s built up over spring. Weed thoroughly to stop them from competing with your plants. Pressure wash patios and garden paths to enhance your garden’s appearance and reduce the risk of diseases. Regular lawn mowing helps keep grass healthy and discourages pest infestations.
Before planting summer flowers or vegetables, focus on enriching your garden soil. Add compost, organic mulch, or well-rotted manure to replenish essential nutrients and improve moisture retention. Healthy soil ensures plants are more resilient to heat stress and grow more vigorously.
Inspect your plants and shrubs for damage or excessive growth. Summer pruning promotes airflow, reduces disease risk, and helps shape plants attractively. Deadheading old flowers on perennials and fruit trees encourages repeat blooming and better yields.
A solid garden watering strategy is crucial during hot spells. Water deeply but less often to encourage strong root systems. The best times are early morning or evening, which reduces evaporation. Consider installing a drip irrigation system for more efficient water delivery to roots.
Applying a 5 cm layer of organic mulch—such as bark, straw, or compost—helps to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature. This barrier also protects plant roots and adds nutrients over time as it breaks down.
Warmer weather invites common garden pests and diseases. Use natural pest control techniques like companion planting and introducing beneficial insects such as ladybirds. Keep tools clean and regularly check for early signs of plant stress, disease, or infestation.
Refresh your container garden by checking for overcrowded plants, refreshing the potting mix, and adding slow-release fertiliser. Make sure each container has proper drainage to prevent root rot and provide consistent nutrients throughout the summer.
Supporting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds is key to a healthy garden. Include pollinator-friendly plants such as lavender, snapdragons, foxgloves, and hardy geraniums to attract these vital creatures. This also helps boost your garden’s productivity and biodiversity.
By completing these eight summer garden maintenance jobs, you’ll be well on your way to a lush, thriving garden. But if you’d rather leave the hard work to the professionals, we're here to help. Whether you need a one-time tidy-up or regular maintenance, we’ll take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy your garden all summer long. Get in touch today to book your summer garden service.
Posted by Culverhouse Gardens
