How to maintain garden bliss throughout the summer season

Summer is peak season for the garden, but with rising temperatures, scorching sun, and unwelcome pests, your garden might need a bit of attention between those relaxing moments outdoors.

“Dry soil, wilted plants, overgrown weeds, and brown grass are common signs of an unhealthy garden. Fortunately, there are simple ways to tackle this, so you can take care of your garden while still enjoying it most of the time this summer,” says Hans Jensen, gardener at Plantasjen.

Watering is the most important thing you can do for your plants during the summer months. Plants need more water in summer than in spring and autumn. Generally, it's better to water thoroughly and wait a few days between waterings, rather than watering frequently. A good rule of thumb is to water flower beds twice a week with plenty of water.

“Watering the lawn should be done with a sprinkler. If the lawn has been growing for a few years without regular watering, it will have developed deeper roots. This allows the lawn to survive dry periods. With a steady supply of water, the lawn will naturally become greener and more lush,” says Jensen.

The best time of day to water is in the morning, but watering late in the evening when temperatures are cooler is also good.

“At these times, the plants can absorb the water without the risk of scorch damage from the hot sun. You should check the soil's moisture before watering. In most cases, the soil should be slightly moist. Very dry soil means you need to water more or more often; if the soil is slightly moist, water as usual; and if it’s very wet, you should consider watering less or less frequently. Be careful not to overwater,” Jensen advises.

Tip: Move plants from hot, sunny spots into the shade to reduce water needs and evaporation. On a balcony, placing plants on the floor can give them more shade – this helps prevent them from drying out as quickly.

Gardening can feel like exactly that – work – but research shows that being in nature reduces stress and boosts well-being.

“Spending time in the garden helps us breathe more calmly, so even though it may sometimes feel like hard work, it comes with several health benefits. Even if you prefer lounging on a sunbed, you might find you gain just as much energy from weeding or digging in the soil,” says Jensen.

And what is a summer garden without colorful, vibrant summer flowers?

“A good tip is to plant in large pots with plenty of high-quality soil. This gives the plants a better chance to grow and thrive, while also reducing how often you need to water. Large pots and soil volumes retain more water. When planting something new, always water the root ball thoroughly so it is completely soaked. Then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Throughout the first season, newly planted flowers and plants need extra help to absorb just the right amount of water,” Jensen explains.

Plants that have been in the ground for a while generally manage better and longer without water. However, during long periods without rain, even they may need some extra watering.

For minimal effort, it's great to plant perennials in pots and garden beds – even during peak season.

• Ostrich fern and hosta offer beautiful green tones with their large leaves in shady areas
• Stonecrop, houseleek, and other sedum plants thrive in full sun and are very drought-tolerant
• Peonies bloom beautifully in midsummer and look stunning in pots on the balcony or veranda

Mow the lawn regularly and feel free to leave the clippings in place, allowing the nutrients to return to the lawn. If you have a lot of clippings, it can be beneficial to use them around shrubs, berry bushes, and fruit trees. It acts as a protective layer that helps retain moisture in the soil, while the plants can later benefit from the nutrients the clippings provide.

“If you want a dense lawn, it’s smart to aerate it and add oxygen. You can easily do this with a lawn dethatcher. This tool creates small holes in the soil and slightly separates the grass roots. This allows water and nutrients to reach deeper while the split roots are stimulated to produce side shoots. As growth picks up, a denser lawn will form,” says Jensen.

During summer, the lawn should be mowed regularly, one to two times a week. Avoid mowing lower than 4–5 cm to maintain a strong root system. If the lawn starts to turn brown, it’s a sign that you’re cutting the grass too short. If you experience a dry period, just leave the lawn as it is. It will stop growing but will bounce back and turn green again as soon as the rain comes.

Technology has also made its way into the garden, and more and more innovative solutions are available to simplify gardening tasks.

“For example, measuring soil moisture or having concrete information about what plants need can revolutionize your garden. With a timer, you can set watering schedules for your plants and go on vacation without a single worry,” says the experienced gardener.

These solutions help your garden take care of itself:

• Irrigation systems, sensors, and timers that are either automatic or can be controlled via your phone.
• If you're away during the summer, an automatic watering system for both grass and plants is a great investment. There are smart features for both flower beds and balcony boxes.
• Submersible sprinklers allow robotic lawnmowers to work undisturbed.

You are here:

• Tips and tricks - Outdoor plants and garden