Well this year certainly has been rather unique! I don’t think anyone has ever seen anything like it and although it feels like it has dragged at times, all of a sudden it’s Summertime again! We’ve already had a weekend of 40 degrees here in Sydney, and it’s got us all asking the question: have we got our gardens ready for the Summer?
Read on for how to know if your garden is prepared.
Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is not just for the house. Your garden too can massively benefit from one, just ask the best garden maintenance Sydney based companies! Doing the weeding and getting on top of this is crucial in late Spring/early Summer before the weeds get fully embedded in your grass or flower beds. 
Pruning back any flowers or shrubs that have stagnated in growth or died off is a vital step towards regeneration too. In general, a good clean of flower beds etc. and pest management (later) is vital.
Boost your Fertiliser/Nutrients
To help your garden with strong Summer growth, adding fertiliser will feed your plants and fix any possible mineral deficiencies before it gets too hot and dry. I suggest you fertilise before mulching as this will help to keep the nutrients where they need to be. A lot of green thumbs prefer to use a soluble fertiliser with added seaweed. 
Another option is to use a slow-release fertiliser throughout the year to keep the nutrients flowing regularly. When you’re feeding your Aussie natives make sure not to overfeed them, as this is a fast way to give them a “heart-attack” and kill them off.
Mulching
Laying down mulch is one of the best and most effective things you can do to help protect your garden coming into Summer. General guidelines are to mulch up to about 10 cm, and make sure to keep away from the base of your plants.
Some good mulch options include: pea straw, sugar cane or bark chips. All will keep the plants cool and dry, whilst helping to keep weeds away.
Know When to Water your Garden
Watering is one of the most important parts of Summer, especially garden irrigation, Sydney can get very hot and dry out your garden.
This all depends on which direction your garden faces. If East or North, then it’s generally best to water your garden nice and early in the morning, before the hot sun comes in. If West, then I recommend an early evening drink for your garden. The sun is quite strong once it’s in the Western sky, so watering your garden during this time helps it to not burn.
Pest Management is Vital
If you’ve got a veggie patch, and you’ve harvested your lettuce in the past only to find it half eaten already, then you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Slugs, cockroaches, woodlice, wasps, and many others can be proper nuisances and there’s nothing worse than putting in all the hard work but neglected pest management techniques.
Think About Extra Shading
This is especially important for North and West facing gardens. The Summer sun is quite unforgiving – potentially burning holes right into your lawn.
If your garden doesn’t have much natural shading, think about some options like a shade sail. If in more doubt, you can check with the best garden maintenance team in Eastern Suburbs.
Get Your Hard Work in During the Cool Hours of the Day
It’s safer and better for you, and you’re more likely to do a more thorough job, if you carry out more rigorous gardening work such as mowing in the cool hours of day – generally before 10 am or after 5 pm.
Plenty of water and a thick layer of sunblock should be strongly considered too.
Get Your Barbecue Dusted Off
We cannot overstate this one. Summer is the time above all that your garden should be enjoyed.
Make sure your barbecue is ready, your pool is clean, your backyard cricket stumps are up and the recliner is still sturdy!
Need A Little Help Getting Your Garden in Summer Shape?
The gardening experts at Amico know what to do for your garden this Summer, and we are ready and able to get in at your say. So call us today to make sure your garden is put into Summer ready shape and can be enjoyed how it is always supposed to be!
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