Summer is a wonderful time in the garden, with colourful borders, flourishing containers and plenty of opportunities to enjoy your outdoor space. However, warmer temperatures and longer days can also mean a little extra care is needed to keep plants looking their best.
Follow our simple summer garden maintenance checklist to help your garden stay healthy, vibrant and full of colour throughout the season.
Many flowering plants will continue to produce blooms throughout summer if spent flowers are removed regularly.
Deadheading encourages plants to direct their energy into producing new flowers rather than setting seed. Popular summer plants such as Petunias, Geraniums, Dahlias, Roses and Cosmos will all benefit from a little attention.
A quick walk around the garden every few days with a pair of secateurs can make a huge difference to the overall appearance of your displays.
Watering is one of the most important gardening tasks during summer, particularly during prolonged dry spells.
Containers, hanging baskets and newly planted shrubs are often the first to suffer from lack of moisture. Rather than watering lightly every day, aim to water thoroughly when needed to encourage stronger, deeper root growth.
The best times to water are early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and less water is lost through evaporation.
While we all enjoy sunny weather, summer rainfall can be incredibly beneficial for gardens.
A good downpour helps soak moisture deep into the soil, replenishing water reserves that plant roots rely on. Rainwater also helps plants absorb nutrients more effectively and can wash dust from foliage, allowing leaves to photosynthesise more efficiently.
After periods of rainfall, take the opportunity to check containers and hanging baskets, as dense foliage can sometimes prevent enough water from reaching the compost below.
By mid-summer, many plants have used much of the available nutrition in their pots, containers and borders.
Applying a granular feed can help promote healthy growth, stronger root systems and a longer flowering season. Slow-release feeds are particularly useful as they continue working over several weeks, providing a steady supply of nutrients when plants need them most.
Regular feeding can help maintain vibrant displays and support plants through the busiest growing period of the year.
Summer growth can be rapid, and some plants may begin to lean or collapse under the weight of their flowers.
Plants such as Dahlias, Gladioli, Delphiniums and Sunflowers often benefit from additional support to keep them upright and looking their best.
Adding supports before plants become too tall is usually easier and helps prevent stems from snapping during windy weather or heavy rain.
Warmer temperatures often mean increased pest activity in the garden.
Regularly check plants for signs of Aphids, Slugs, Snails and other common garden pests. Catching problems early can make them much easier to manage and helps prevent damage spreading throughout the garden.
It’s also worth remembering that many insects are beneficial, helping to pollinate flowers and naturally control pest populations.
If you need advice, inspiration or products to help keep your garden thriving, visit us in store and speak to a member of our friendly team.
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The Garden Restaurant
| MONDAY | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| TUESDAY | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| WEDNESDAY | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| THURSDAY | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| FRIDAY | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| SATURDAY | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| SUNDAY | 09:00 - 16:30 |
Garden Centre open for browsing only on Sunday until 10:00
Telephone: 01243 756175
Email: customerservice@brickkilngardencentre.co.uk
Bognor Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 1EJ
