Summer is a time to enjoy your garden at its best—lush, colourful, and full of life. But without the right preparation, the warmer months can bring challenges like dry lawns, drooping plants, and unexpected pests. That's why Green Gardens, your trusted garden maintenance experts in Surrey and West Sussex, have put together this step-by-step guide to help you get your garden summer-ready.
In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know to prepare your garden for the hotter months:
- When to start preparing your garden
- The best summer plants and flowers for UK gardens
- Watering tips for hot weather
- How to protect your garden from pests and diseases
- Fertilising tips for summer growth
Plus, we'll show you how Green Gardens can take the stress out of summer gardening with our expert services.
Why It's Important to Get Your Garden Summer-Ready
Summer can be the most rewarding—and the most demanding—time for your garden. The combination of long days, higher temperatures, and (sometimes!) less rain means your plants grow fast, but they also need more care. Without the right preparation, your garden can quickly suffer: lawns turn brown, flowers wilt, and weeds and pests take over.
By taking a proactive approach, you can:
- Keep your garden looking vibrant and healthy
- Reduce the need for emergency fixes during heatwaves
- Save water and resources by using efficient techniques
- Enjoy a low-maintenance, beautiful garden all season long
Green Gardens is here to help you get ahead - whether you need a complete garden refresh, regular maintenance, or a helping hand with summer challenges.
When to Start Preparing Your Garden for Summer in the UK
Timing is everything when it comes to preparing your garden for summer. Here's a simple guide for when to get started:
Late March to April
Begin tidying up your garden - clear leaves, prune shrubs, and remove dead growth from plants.
April to early May
Start feeding your lawn and plants to encourage healthy growth.
Mid-May
Plant summer bedding plants and sow seeds for quick-growing annuals.
Late May to June
Mulch beds to retain moisture, check watering systems, and prepare for dry spells.
Early June onwards
Monitor for pests and diseases, deadhead flowers regularly, and adjust watering routines.
Green Gardens can help you stay on top of every stage, so your garden is ready to thrive through summer.
Read our guide on how to create a low maintenance garden!
Best Summer Flowers and Plants to Add Colour to Your Garden
Want a garden that bursts with colour all summer long? Here are some of the best low-maintenance summer plants for UK gardens:
Geraniums
(Pelargoniums)
Classic summer bedding plants—long-flowering and drought-tolerant.
Petunias
Bright, bold colours that thrive in pots, baskets, and borders.
Lavender
Fragrant and loved by pollinators, plus it copes well with heat.
Roses
(Repeat-flowering)
Choose varieties like ‘Iceberg' or ‘Bonica' for months of blooms.
Cosmos
Tall, airy flowers in pinks and whites - great for filling borders.
Marigolds
Hardy, cheerful, and great for repelling pests.
Hydrangeas
Great for shaded spots, with bold blooms through summer.
Hardy fuchsias
Ideal for adding colour to partial shade.
Not sure what's right for your garden? Let Green Gardens help you choose the perfect summer plants for your space and soil type.
How to Water Your Garden Efficiently During Hot Weather
Watering wisely is essential during the summer months. Here's how to keep your garden hydrated without wasting water:
Water early or late
Water in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to reduce evaporation.
Deep, infrequent watering
Water thoroughly once or twice a week rather than little and often—this encourages deeper roots.
Mulch, mulch, mulch
A thick layer of mulch keeps moisture in the soil for longer.
Use drip irrigation
Target water where it's needed most - this saves water and time.
Focus on new plants
Established plants need less water; concentrate on bedding plants, pots, and vegetables.
How to Protect Your Garden from Pests and Diseases in Summer
Summer warmth can encourage unwelcome visitors to your garden. Here are some common pests and problems to watch out for—and how to prevent them:
Aphids
Check plant tips and undersides of leaves; wash off with a strong jet of water or use organic sprays.
Slugs and snails
Protect young plants with barriers like copper tape, crushed eggshells, or wildlife-friendly pellets.
Powdery mildew
Space plants for good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
Caterpillars
Inspect plants regularly and remove caterpillars by hand if needed.
Green Gardens offers regular garden maintenance to help spot and treat problems before they get out of hand.
Fertilising Tips: How to Feed Your Garden for Summer Growth
A well-fed garden is a happy garden! Here's how to keep your plants thriving through summer:
- Apply a slow-release fertiliser: Feed your plants at the start of the season for steady growth.
- Top up containers: Potted plants need regular feeding - use a liquid fertiliser every 1–2 weeks.
- Choose the right feed: High-nitrogen fertiliser for lawns, Balanced fertiliser for general beds, High-potash feed for flowers and fruit
- Feed after rain or watering: This ensures nutrients get to the roots.
- Don't overfeed: Too much fertiliser can harm plants - follow package instructions.
- Mulch with compost or manure: This improves soil health naturally and reduces the need for chemical fertilisers.
Summer Garden Services Offered by Green Gardens in Surrey
Our gardeners in Surrey understand that summer is for relaxing—not for battling weeds, pests, and parched lawns! That's why we offer a full range of summer gardening services across Surrey and West Sussex, including:
- Lawn care
- Planting summer flowers and shrubs
- Pruning and deadheading
- Mulching and soil conditioning
- Pest and disease management
- Watering systems installation
- Regular garden maintenance visits
Let Green Gardens take the hassle out of your summer gardening. Call us today on 01372 510050 or
01403 283900, or email [email protected] to book your garden maintenance service.
With Green Gardens by your side, you can enjoy a vibrant, healthy garden all summer long - without the hard work.
