Summer is fast approaching, and now is the perfect time to prepare your Manchester garden for the warm and sunny days ahead.
With a little time and effort, you can create an inviting outdoor space that’s perfect for relaxing, al fresco dining, entertaining friends and family, and enjoying the beauty of spending time outdoors.
How to get your Manchester garden summer ready
- Assess and clean your garden – It’s a good idea to start by taking a good look at your garden, to determine what work needs to be done. Assess the overall condition of the space and identify areas that need attention. Remove any debris, fallen leaves and dead plants, and prune back anything that has overgrown to encourage everything to grow throughout the summer. This will also improve the appearance of your garden. Once you have assessed and cleaned your garden, you’ll have a blank canvas for your summer garden plans.
- Ensure your soil is healthy – There’s no denying that healthy soil is the key to a thriving garden, so don’t forget to test your soil to determine its nutrient content. You might need to add compost or organic matter to improve the soil, fertility and drainage. You might also need to incorporate a fertiliser to provide nutrients for your plants, which supports plant growth and blooms throughout the summer.
- Improve your outdoor living space – Your garden is an extension of your living space, so make it a welcoming space for relaxation and entertainment. Clean and arrange outdoor furniture, ensuring it’s in good condition, and add cushions, blankets and outdoor rugs to create a cosy place to unwind. Consider installing a patio or deck area if you don’t have one, or update your existing space with fresh decor and lighting.
- Plan your summer planting – There are a variety of plants that will flourish in Manchester’s summer climate. Consider planting a mix of perennials, annuals and flowering shrubs to create a visually appealing garden, but one that also continually blooms. Popular summer plants for gardens in Manchester include lavender, roses, petunias and geraniums. These will add a lot of bright and bold colour to your space.
- Refresh your lawn – A lush, green lawn is the centrepiece of any garden, and it can transform a standard garden into a space to be proud of. Mow your lawn regularly to maintain an even height, and aerate it to improve air circulation and water penetration. If there are any bare patches, reseed and water them consistently until the grass establishes.
- Install or upgrade your irrigation system – A reliable irrigation system is key for maintaining a healthy garden during the warm months. Don’t forget to inspect your existing system for leaks, blockages or damage, and make any necessary repairs before you kickstart your summer garden. If you don’t have an irrigation system, consider installing one to ensure your plants receive consistent and adequate water. Drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses are efficient options that minimise water waste, whilst also delivering moisture directly to the roots. Set your irrigation system on a timer to maintain a regular watering schedule, especially during dry spells.
- Get weeds and mulch under control – When you are getting your Manchester garden summer ready, make sure to add a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate the soil temperature. Organic mulches like bark chips, straw or compost are excellent choices, and they also enrich the soil as they decompose. Don’t forget to regularly check for weeds and remove them as soon as possible to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
- Add personal touches – Of course, it’s important that your garden reflects your personal style and taste, so add personal touches as you go. You can personalise your garden with unique elements that reflect your style and interests, really transforming it into a unique outdoor space. Add garden ornaments, sculptures or a water feature to create focal points, or incorporate colourful pots and planters to brighten up the area. You could even appeal to the senses with fragrant herbs, textured plants, wind chimes or bubbling fountains.
Though there are a handful of things that go into getting your Manchester garden summer ready, it doesn’t need to be a time consuming or daunting task. Small changes – such as adding some colourful pots, creating a comfortable seating area and adding an irrigation system – can make a big difference.
