Summer is the prime time for gardeners! Longer, warmer days mean there’s more time to enjoy your green space. So whether you’re picking the fruits of your harvest, spending an evening watering pots and baskets, or enjoying some leisurely weekend weeding it’s a fantastic time to be outdoors. With gardens at their peak here are some of the jobs to focus on through the summer months:
Early summer – June
- Water regularly – especially your containers, hanging baskets and newly planted areas.
- Mange your mulch – even in the growing season it’s a good idea to keep mulch topped up to retain moisture in beds and borders.
- Weed and feed – keep on top of fast-growing weeds, and feed flowering plants and vegetables with appropriate natural fertilisers.
- Keep an eye on pests – watch out for aphids, slugs, caterpillars, using eco-friendly products or natural pest control as needed.
- Don’t let flowers fade– deadhead summer plants and perennials to extend flowering, and plant out the last of your summer bedding and tender annuals. It’s also helpful to divide spring-flowering bulbs if they’re congested.
- Tend fruit and veg – sow beetroot, carrots, French beans and salad. Harvest early potatoes and salad leaves. Pinch out any side shoots on tomatoes, and protect soft fruit from birds with netting.
Mid-summer – July
- Watch the weather – water deeply and less frequently, especially in dry spells. Stake tall plants to prevent wind damage.
- Prolong flowering – continue deadheading to keep your blooms coming and look for signs of disease.
- Cut and collect flowers – take cuttings from tender perennials and collect seeds from early-flowering plants. Keep containers well-fed and watered.
- Tend fruit and veg – continue harvesting your lettuces, peas, beans, courgettes and soft fruits. Prune stone fruit trees after fruiting and pinch out tomato growing tips once 4–5 trusses have set.
- Love your lawn – mow regularly, keeping blades higher in warmer weather to avoid cutting grass too short. Feed with summer lawn feed if needed, and water thoroughly during dry spells.
Late summer – August
- Plan ahead – think about autumn planting and start preparing the ground for autumn crops with a boost of compost or mulch.
- Forage your flowers – collect seeds and dry for next year. Keep removing faded flowers and seed heads. Cut back faded perennials. Sow biennials such as foxgloves and wallflowers for next year.
- Nurture fruit and veg – harvest crops regularly to encourage more production. Sow overwintering crops including kale, spring onions and spinach. Prune trained apple and pear trees.
- Repair lawns – scarify and aerate your lawn towards the end of August if the weather cools. Then prepare for autumn lawn feeding and repairs.
Summer gardening challenges
Summer gardening brings plenty of rewards, but it also comes with specific challenges. Here are the most common and how to tackle them:
Heat and dry spells
High temperatures and lack of rainfall can cause soil to dry out quickly. Plants may wilt, bolt (go to seed too soon) or stop producing. Watering in the early morning or late evening can reduce evaporation. And using mulch can help retain moisture too.
Pests and diseases
The warmer weather boosts populations of aphids, slugs, caterpillars, red spider mites and fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Inspect plants regularly and remove pests manually or with eco-safe sprays. Encourage natural predators into your garden such as ladybirds, frogs and birds who can give you a hand!
Rapid growth (including weeds!)
Everything grows quickly in the summer including unwanted weeds. Hoe or hand-weed frequently to stop weeds from seeding. Mulching bare soil can suppress weeds too. Regular pruning and deadheading will keep your plants in shape.
Overwatering or underwatering
It’s easy to overwater or underwater – especially pots, which dry out fast. Sticking a finger into the soil means you can check for dryness before watering. Grouping pots together will help to reduce evaporation too.
Bolting crops
Some crops (like lettuce, spinach, and coriander) go to seed prematurely in the heat. Pick bolt-resistant varieties and sow little and often to stagger harvests.
Sun scorch and wind damage
Tender plants can get scorched by intense sun or snapped by strong winds. Place sensitive plants in dappled shade and stake tall or top-heavy plants securely. Water before hot days to help plants cope with heat stress.
Summer is the perfect time to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the health benefits of gardening. Spending time in your green space not only keeps you active but also lifts your mood and reduces stress. So grab your tools, get outside, and let your garden give your wellbeing a seasonal boost!
