LIFESTYLE NEWS - As temperatures rise, gardens need regular attention to stay in good condition. Mowing lawns, trimming edges, controlling weeds, managing pests and keeping plants adequately watered are among the tasks that become more frequent during summer.
With a little planning, however, gardeners can make these jobs more manageable and spend more time enjoying their outdoor spaces.
1. Make watering easier
Keeping plants hydrated during hot weather can be time-consuming, particularly in medium to large gardens. A retractable hose can help simplify watering by reducing the need to wind up and store a hose manually after each use.
Hose storage systems that swivel can also make it easier to reach different areas of the garden while reducing tangles and kinks.
Planning where and how plants are watered is equally important. Grouping plants with similar watering needs together can make irrigation more efficient and help prevent unnecessary water use.
Watering early in the morning or later in the afternoon can also reduce evaporation during hot weather. Check the moisture levels in the soil before watering, as plants may not need additional water if the ground is still damp.
2. Reduce clutter with versatile tools
Gardening often involves a collection of tools for different tasks, from loosening soil and removing weeds to raking leaves and pruning plants. Over time, storing separate tools for every job can become expensive and take up valuable space.
A modular gardening system, which allows different attachments to be fitted to the same handle, offers one way to reduce clutter. Interchangeable attachments can be used for a range of jobs, while adjustable or telescopic handles can help gardeners reach different areas more comfortably.
Before buying new equipment, assess which tools are used most frequently and whether existing items can serve more than one purpose. Keeping essential tools clean, dry and properly stored can also extend their useful life.
Summer tip: Remove weeds while the soil is slightly damp, when their roots may be easier to pull out. Adding a layer of mulch to moist soil can help retain moisture, suppress weed growth and reduce the need for frequent watering.
3. Plan watering before going on holiday
Summer holidays can leave gardens vulnerable to drying out, particularly when temperatures are high and rainfall is limited.
An automatic watering system can help maintain a regular schedule while homeowners are away. Depending on the system, gardeners can set watering times, durations and days, and some systems allow different garden areas to be watered in sequence.
Soil moisture sensors can provide an additional safeguard by preventing scheduled watering when the soil is already sufficiently moist. However, automatic systems still need to be checked before departure to ensure that batteries are charged, hoses are connected properly and sprinklers or irrigation lines are working as intended.
Potted plants and hanging baskets need particular attention because their soil can dry out more quickly than garden beds. Move vulnerable containers away from intense afternoon sun where appropriate, and ask someone to check the garden if an extended absence is planned.
Small changes can make a difference
A thriving summer garden does not necessarily require more work or additional equipment. Grouping plants according to their water requirements, using mulch, choosing versatile tools and planning ahead for holidays can all help simplify routine maintenance.
Regularly checking soil moisture, removing weeds before they spread and looking out for signs of pests or plant stress can also prevent small problems from becoming more difficult to manage.
With a practical approach to summer gardening, homeowners can conserve water, reduce unnecessary effort and enjoy more time outdoors among the plants they have worked hard to grow.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
