Prepare Your Garden for Summer | Summer Garden Checklist

As the weather begins to heat up, it's time to start thinking about preparing your garden for summer. With a little bit of effort, you can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional area that you and your family can enjoy all season long.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or a complete novice, there are a few key tasks that you should tackle in order to get your garden in shape for the summer months. From weeding and pruning to planting and watering, there's plenty to do to ensure that your garden looks its best.

To help you get started, we've put together a summer garden checklist that outlines some of the most important tasks you should complete. By following this checklist, you can make sure that your garden is ready for the warm weather and all the outdoor activities that come with it.

Show Your Lawn Some TLC

A well-maintained lawn is the pride of any garden, and it's important to give it some extra attention during the summer months. Here are a few tips to ensure your lawn stays healthy and lush:

Check Soil pH Levels

Before you start any lawn care, it's important to check the pH levels of your soil. A pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for most lawns. If your soil is too acidic, add lime to raise the pH level. If it's too alkaline, add sulphur to lower the pH level. You can purchase a soil testing kit from your local garden centre or online.

Mow Like a Pro

A neatly mown lawn instantly transforms the look of your garden. For the best cut, it’s best to mow in the late morning when the morning dew has dried but the air is still cool. It’s also important not to mow your lawn to less than 1 cm as this will give it a less-healthy look. Ideally, your lawn should be kept between 2.5 cm - 5 cm in length.

Inspect Garden Beds for Pests and Diseases

Summer is the time when pests and diseases can wreak havoc on your lawn. Inspect your garden beds regularly for signs of infestation or disease, such as brown patches or yellowing grass. If you notice any issues, treat them immediately with the appropriate pesticides or fungicides.

Remove Dead Plants and Weeds

Remove any dead plants and weeds from your garden. Dead plants can attract pests and diseases, while weeds can compete with your plants for nutrients and water. Use a garden fork or hoe to remove weeds, making sure to remove the roots as well. If you have a compost bin, add the dead plants and weeds to it to create nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

Prune Overgrown Trees and Shrubs

If you have any trees or shrubs that have become overgrown, it's important to prune them before the summer season. Pruning helps to promote healthy growth and can improve the overall appearance of your garden. Use pruning shears or a saw to remove any dead or damaged branches. Make sure to cut at a 45-degree angle just above a bud or branch junction.

Clean the Barbecue

If you have a barbecue in your garden, it's important to get it clean at the ready, so you can make last minute barbecue plans whenever the sun comes out and entertain guests. Use a brush to remove any debris from the grates and burners. If your barbecue has a drip tray, remove it and clean it with warm, soapy water. Make sure to rinse everything thoroughly with clean water before using the barbecue again.

Choose and Plant Summer Plants

Summer is a great time to add some colour and life to your garden. With the right plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving summer garden that will impress your neighbours and provide you with fresh produce. 

When choosing plants for your summer garden, it's important to select ones that can withstand the heat. Some plants that thrive in hot weather include:

• Delphiniums
• Dahlias
• Marigolds
• Common Zinnias
• Peonies
• Hibiscus

These plants are not only beautiful, but they also require minimal maintenance and can withstand the heat of summer. Be sure to read the care instructions for each plant to ensure that you are providing the right amount of water and sunlight.

Add Stunning Garden Furniture

Enhance the beauty and functionality of your garden with stunning teak furniture. Teak is a popular choice for outdoor furniture due to its durability and natural resistance to weathering. Adding teak furniture to your garden can instantly transform it into an inviting space for relaxation and entertainment.

Teak benches are perfect for soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the beauty of your garden. At Mr Teak, our benches come in a variety of sizes and styles, from simple and classic to more ornate designs. 

Teak benches are not only beautiful but also practical, providing a comfortable place to sit and enjoy your garden.

If you enjoy al fresco dining, consider adding teak dining furniture to your space. Teak dining furniture is not only stylish but also functional, providing a sturdy and comfortable place to enjoy a meal with family and friends in the sunshine.

When choosing teak furniture for your garden, it's important to choose high-quality pieces that will last for years to come. Look for furniture made from sustainably sourced teak wood and that has been treated to resist weathering. 

At Mr Teak, we offer sustainable, SVLK certified teak furniture that can transform any outdoor space into a stunning garden for you to enjoy.