Summer can be a busy time in the garden. When summer tempts us outside to enjoy the warm weather with BBQs and family gatherings, it’s nice to have a beautiful garden to enjoy them in.
Here are 10 tips to ensure your garden will be at its best for summer.
1. Tidying up
Carry out weeding, pruning and cutting. Remove bindi weeds in spring, before they get tough and sharp, then mow them regularly (it will allow your grass to grow better). A spring cleaning for your garden will bring you instant gratification and give you room to dream up new plans.
2. Feed your garden
Fertilize your garden with quality fertilizer or manure. Fertilizing in spring will give your plants a boost so they look great in summer. There are many types of fertilizers, including slow-release fertilizer, seaweed fertilizer, and cow manure. Go to your local nursery and find out what will work for your garden.
3. Mulch
Prepare your garden for the heat by providing a good dose of mulch. You can buy hay or lucerne, or make your own from leaves and other organic materials. The mulch will protect your soil from the sun and retain moisture, so your plants don’t dry out. This will also help encourage worms – the garden’s best friends!
4. Buy plants that you like
Always buy plants you like – you’ll likely be caring for them while you lick them. Choose plants that suit their position in your garden.
5. Be original
Native plants are usually beautiful, hardy and drought tolerant. Choose some natives to add an Australian touch to your garden. Bottle brushes, banksia, wattles and grevillia are all popular choices and encourage native birds into your garden.
6. Veggie Patch 101: Plant in spring
Plant your vegetables in spring! Throw in your seasonings to keep your summer salads fresh. Check which vegetables are suitable for your climate, then start sowing. If you need to prepare a garden bed for your vegetables, get some suggestions on how to prepare the soil and be prepared for regular watering.
7. Plant perennials
Perennials grow all year round and are great for keeping your garden healthy. Mix it with flowering annuals, which will add a lot of color to your garden.
8. Get ready to entertain
Clean up your outdoor table and chairs, and tidy up your backyard for a summer party. Maybe you could buy some hanging plants, potted plants or garden ornaments to add some warmth? Or maybe you need a bigger BBQ for a summer party or family gathering.
9. Buy a lamp
Beautiful lights always add a special atmosphere to your garden party. LEDs look great and use less energy. Get creative and see what you can come up with!
10. Get composted
Composting is great for the environment and provides food for your garden! Buy or build a compost bin and get composting so your garden has food in time for summer.
Thinking of getting your garden ready for summer? A personal loan from GE Money will take you there.
This guest post was contributed by GE Money.
