Getting your garden ready for summer

As spring winds down and the days grow warmer, it's time to gear up for summer in the UK. With the season bringing sunny days and even occasional heatwaves, preparing your garden for summer becomes worth it when you have a lovely space to relax, entertain or exercise. 

In summer, the long daylight hours allow you to garden at your preferred time, early in the morning or late in the evening. Choose a time that lets you focus on the task at hand but make sure you stay hydrated and use safety precautions. 

Really feeling the heat? Check out our tips to keep your home cool during summer and tips to keep kids cool in hot weather.

Whether you own or rent your property, share your garden with neighbours, or have a small “yard-en”, balcony or huge garden, here are a few versatile tips on how you can get your outdoor space ready for summer.

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Clear debris away from your outdoor space
Pressure wash your garden flags and furniture
Spruce up your garden fence in time for summer
Accessorise your outdoor area this summer

Clear debris away from your outdoor space

The first step to preparing your garden for summer is to clear away all of the remnants of the past months. Brush away any fallen leaves and branches and remove old plant pots or worn-out solar-powered lights. Make sure to dispose of everything properly according to your property management company or local council's guidelines. You may have already followed our top tips for spring gardening success, in which case this task may be slightly easier.

Though it might feel like a tedious chore in some spaces, clearing the area is so necessary. It not only gives you a clean slate for further improvements but also helps prevent weeds and pests. And if you've spotted any unwanted creepy crawlies recently, we’ve got plenty of pest prevention tips for your home and a guide on how to get rid of ants in the house quickly.

Pressure wash your patio and furniture

For those seeking to add an extra touch of sparkle to their outdoor spaces, pressure washing could be the answer.

Using a pressure washer, you can effortlessly remove dirt, grime, lichen and moss from patios, paving, sturdy garden furniture, decking, and pathways to restore them and leave them gleaming; perfect for summer get-togethers.

Although pressure washing can make a massive difference to your garden, be sure to use the correct settings for your surfaces, follow safety instructions and use caution to avoid damaging delicate surfaces and surrounding plants.

If you don’t have your own pressure washer, you might be able borrow one from a neighbour or rent one from your local DIY shop at a reasonable price. But remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use. We’ve got a detailed checklist of home DIY tool kit essentials for renters.

Alternatively, if you’re unsure about using pressure on the surfaces you're cleaning, you can usually achieve a sparkling finish with a hard-bristled brush and warm soapy water. Though it may take more effort and time, the results can be equally satisfying.

Spruce up your garden fence in time for summer

Bad weather months can be tough on your garden fence and wooden shed, leaving them in need of some extra attention before summer arrives. 
Spruce up your fence or shed with a fresh coat of colour and a health-boosting treatment. A good quality timber preservative treatment can be found at most DIY shops and is ideal for keeping decking, fencing, and structures protected against the elements, offering essential protection against the summer sun and rain showers. 

If you’re renting, be sure to check with your property management company or landlord for permission to use coloured products, but there are also clear wood preservatives and treatment options.