Preparing your garden for a summer of entertainment can be somewhat difficult if you’re unsure where to start. Much of the preparation can even start as early as the previous autumn, as you and your garden braces itself for a harsh winter. In order to provide you with a helping hand, we’ve put together a few tips and tricks on how to prepare your garden for the summer so you can have the most beautiful aesthetic to please all of your visitors!
Prepare New Features In Advance
One of the most exciting areas to start is to prepare any new features you are looking to add to your garden this summer. Whether you’re looking to add a play area for a new little one to enjoy who you didn’t have to cater for in the previous summer, or you’re looking to upgrade your garden by adding some teak garden furniture to really show off your style there are plenty of ways to provide your guests with everything that they need, for when they visit. Whether you’re adding some new features, or taking them away, planning ahead for all of the different options that you are looking to implement will ensure that your garden is ready for the summer.
Spring Clean
Spring cleaning your garden is one of the most important ways to make room for new growth. You can begin working on this lengthy process as soon as the winter frost begins to melt away. A spring clean will often involve clearing away any excessive debris such as leaves, rubbish, twigs and sticks. You should also start digging up any weeds that may have planted themselves in your flower bed, and clean out your greenhouse if you have one. The whole concept of having a spring clean in your garden is to start your garden off with a clean canvas and keep everything as ready as possible for the warm months to begin.
Fertilise Your Grass
Fertilising your grass is a key step in ensuring that your garden is as healthy and green as possible for the summer. You can use various manufactured fertilisers or simply turn to natural fertilisers such as horse manure (if you can stand the smell). The best time to apply fertiliser to your grass is often during mid-spring, and should be applied when the grass is moist, or when rain is expected.
Cultivate Your Soil
Start digging into your soil long before the summer months kick in, and you’ll be able to ensure your plants thrive. Cultivating your soil is the process of digging up the soil, turning it round and dropping it back into the same hole. If you have more time, however, you can elongate this process, by digging trenches and transporting soil from one end to the other in your plant beds. This will allow you the opportunity to fully refresh and rejuvenate your soil, allowing plenty of nutrients and air to develop creating the perfect environment for new plants to grow in.
Create A Weed Barrier
If you are consistently struggling with a battle against weeds, then you should prepare for this summer by implementing some form of weed barrier, which can help to stop the weeds from rooting. However, it is important to remember to do this before you start planting! Start by pulling out any of the unwanted plants that have already started rooting, put down a layer of cardboard or other form of protective barrier, and then continue to build your garden bed on top. In addition to this, once you have started planting your bulbs, you should aim to put mulch over your soil, which can come in the form of dead leaves, wood chippings or even biodegradable mats built for this specific purpose. This can help to keep weeds out but keep moisture in.
Start Planting Your Bulbs
The earlier you are able to plant your bulbs the better, as this will increase the chances of them blooming to their full potential when you want them to. However, it is important to remember to plant the right bulbs suited to your location, as plants can be delicate depending on the climate and conditions they are facing. Ensure that you are choosing the plants which are likely to thrive in your garden. If its full of sun, or often subject to strong winds, then make sure that your choice of plants is able to withstand these particular conditions. You can find versatile bulbs, such as amaryllis bulbs, which can grow in different climates and settings.
No matter what look you’re searching for this summer, following the steps above and planning well in advance can help to ensure your garden will bloom.