As the warm weather arrives and gardens start to burst into life, now is the time to take action to ensure your outdoor space stays vibrant and healthy throughout the summer months. Completing simple tasks now can ensure your lawn, plants and hanging baskets flourish in the sun.
The horticultural experts at Cherry Lane Garden Centres explained: “Summer is such a rewarding time for gardeners, but it’s important to stay on top of maintenance. Small, regular tasks make a big difference in keeping your garden thriving during hotter periods.” Here are the five jobs all keen gardeners should look to do this spring.
1. Inspect your plants for pests and disease
“Warm temperatures are ideal not only for plants but sadly also for unwanted pests,” the experts said. “Check your garden regularly for signs of aphids, mildew, or leaf spot. Catching issues early makes treatment much easier.
“Try to use natural solutions where you can and chemical solutions as a last resort, but make sure they can be applied to your specific plant type. Also, remove infected leaves as soon as you spot them to contain and reduce the spread.”
2. Add plants to your pond to support wildlife
Pondlife like frogs, newts and insects can help turn gardens into diverse ecosystems, but this will only happen if your pond is well-planted.
“Adding aquatic plants like water lilies or marsh marigold will help to filter the water, provide shelter and boost oxygen levels, creating a balanced and wildlife-friendly pond environment,” the experts explained.
3. Protect and feed containers and hanging baskets
Summer blooms need consistent feeding to blossom, so you should aim to feed your containers and hanging baskets every two to three weeks with a high-potash fertiliser.
This encourages strong growth and vibrant flowers right through the season.
You should also make sure to water plants daily during predicted dry spells, and move them into shaded areas during long sunny spells to prevent any damage from the heat and ensure they have enough moisture to thrive.
4. Start harvesting berries and currants
“If you’ve nurtured soft fruit since planting in spring, now is the time to reap the rewards,” the horticultural pros said. “Be careful not to get ahead of yourself and ensure they are ripe and ready before harvesting. Picking the berries and currants as they ripen encourages continued fruiting.
“Regular harvesting also reduces the chances of pests setting in and allows you to enjoy fresh, sun-ripened produce straight from the garden. There are several benefits in eating seasonal produce, but our favourite is the amazing flavour they generate, and even better when homegrown as a labour of love.”
5. Raise your mower blades to protect your lawn
When the weather is hot and dry, cutting your grass too short can actually stress your lawn.
Cherry Lane Garden Centres’ experts said: “Raise your mower blades to leave grass slightly longer, we recommend around four centimetres, so it retains moisture and shades the soil.
“Leaving some lawn patches uncut also benefits our gardens’ biodiversity, encouraging pollinators to help gardens flourish. Keeping your gardens green, healthy and better able to cope with summer heat.”