National Gardening Day: The Top Tips You Should Know

Get Your Garden Summer Ready In 8 Simple Steps

Have a Spring Clean

As the sun comes out and our moods pick up, many of us find ourselves looking to freshen up our home. Once you’ve had that much needed clear out and refreshed your house, move your attention to the garden to get it summer ready. Your garden will have taken a battering over the winter months so rake the leaves that have fallen, clear any debris and dust any cobwebs from the garden furniture, making your outdoor space an inviting one which is ready for those warm summer days.

Be a Cut Above the Rest

A tidy lawn can transform a garden completely, creating a healthy and uniform appearance that is ready for you to enjoy and welcome guests into your home. Dig out the lawnmower and ensure the blades are sufficiently sharpened, creating a clean cut so you can achieve that vibrant green lawn that you see in the adverts! To get the best results, start with the blades lower as the shorter cut will make sure the grass stays sturdy and grows out healthy.

Out with the Old

Give your old bulbs a better chance of blooming again this summer by trimming any plants that have lived through the winter and remove any dead foliage. Once a plant blooms, this is the best time to prune it as you do not risk cutting off any future flowers and hindering the growth process. By keeping on top of your flower beds and waving goodbye to any dead stems, your new growth will have sufficient space to bloom so you don’t have to worry about an overcrowded bed.

In with the New

Now that you’ve got on top of your existing plants and shrubs, treat yourself to some brand new additions. As you spend more time in your garden over the summer months, it’s amazing how much difference the bright pops of colour can make to your mood, so have a look at seasonal flowers such as pansies and tulips which will brighten up your space in an instant. If you’re looking to try something new, try growing your own fresh vegetables for a great project that the whole family can get stuck into!

Refresh Old Paint on Fences and Gates

A scruffy fence can ruin the aesthetic of a garden so head outdoors and give it a much-needed lick of paint. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you start painting as you want to avoid any potential rain showers or direct sunlight, ideally finding an overcast day. Before you start painting, it is a good idea to add a layer of protective treatment as this will prevent the new coat from getting damaged by mildew and rot so you can enjoy better results for longer.

Smooth the Cracks in Your Patio

Create a professional-looking patio by clearing your paving slabs of any weeds or moss which may have built up in between the cracks. If you don’t have a patio weeding tool, an old pair of secateurs will do the job. If you want to take it one step further, fill in the gaps with a mixture of sharp sand, cement and water, pushing it down the cracks with a pointing trowel and smoothing the surface for an expert finish on a budget.

Add Plants in Threes

Try out a trick used by expert gardeners and landscapers if you’re looking to create an effortless display that looks like you’ve had a professional in. When you head to the garden centre, pick up three of each plant you choose and group them together when you plant them as this has a more impactful result than singular plants. Especially for herbaceous plants such as hardy geraniums and achilleas, making a large display or creating a border is a simple but effective tactic that implements a visually pleasing colour scheme.

Clean Your Pots

After being exposed to the elements for a long year, your plant pots may be in need of a little scrub to get them looking their best. Fill a bucket with warm water and soap, using a scrubbing brush to gently clean the outside of your pots to remove any dirt that has built up. By staying on top of your prized pot plants, the exterior of your home will reflect on the tidiness of your interior, welcoming guests and keeping your home looking its best.

 

Many thanks to https://www.stelrad.com/ who commissioned the research.

 

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