Getting your garden ready for summer

The brighter evenings are finally here and while the good weather has so far been in short supply, you can almost sense that summer is just around the corner.

There’s few things better during the summer months than making the most of your garden, whether that be relaxing, working or socialising.

So if you’re looking forward to having a BBQ or a glass of wine with friends over the coming months, now is the time to get your garden ready.

Follow these 10 tips to ensure it’s looking its best when the good weather arrives…

1. Clean up: Start by removing any debris, fallen leaves and dead plants from your garden beds. Clearing away debris helps prevent pests and diseases from taking hold.
2. Soil preparation: Loosen the soil in your garden beds with a garden fork or tiller to improve aeration and drainage. Add compost or aged manure to enrich the soil with nutrients.
3. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves around your plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds and regulates soil temperature.
4. Weeding: Take the time to weed your garden thoroughly before the summer growing season begins. Removing weeds early prevents them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water.
5. Pruning: Trim back any dead or overgrown branches from trees, shrubs and perennial plants. Pruning encourages healthy growth and enhances the appearance of your garden.
6. Watering: Check your irrigation system or set up a watering schedule to ensure your plants receive adequate moisture during the hot summer months. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
7. Fertilising: Apply a slow-release organic fertiliser to provide your plants with essential nutrients throughout the growing season. Follow the instructions on the fertiliser package for the correct application rates.
8. Pest control: Inspect your plants for signs of pests and take appropriate measures to control them. This may include handpicking pests, using organic insecticides or introducing beneficial insects to your garden.
9. Support structures: Install trellises, stakes or cages to support tall or vining plants like tomatoes, cucumber and beans. Proper support helps prevent damage to plants and improves air circulation.
10. Monitor for diseases: Keep an eye out for any signs of plant diseases, such as yellowing leaves, spots or mould. Promptly remove and dispose of any infected plant material to prevent the spread of disease.

By following these tips, you'll have a well-prepared garden that's ready to thrive throughout the summer months.

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