Gardening jobs to do this weekend - 8 tasks to get your plants and lawn ‘ready for summer'
BANK HOLIDAYS are the perfect time to get out in the garden, and the extra-long break means there's even more time to get stuck into planting, sowing and pruning. Here are the top eight gardening jobs to do this weekend.
Homebase UK provide advice on June gardening jobs
The Platinum Jubilee weekend has almost arrived, offering many Britons four days off work to mark the occasion. With so much to get done in the garden throughout June, the extended break is the perfect time to make a start on your summer beds, borders and lawn. These are the top eight tasks to do in your green space over the long break.
What to do in the garden this weekend
While the first signs of summer are beginning to appear in gardens across the UK, there are still a few weeks until the season really sets in.
With the brighter, warmer and longer days ahead, it’s a crucial time to prepare your plants and lawn for the peak growing season.
Here are the eight most important jobs to make a start in early June.
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Weed thoroughly
The extra light and warm weather in June will allow for quicker growth of fruits, vegetables and plants, but it will also encourage weeds to grow where they’re not wanted.
These pesky plants will thrive in the early summer conditions, so make it your mission to keep on top of them by removing them by hand, and using weed killer treatments.
Digging them up from the roots is “the best way to prevent them from spreading”, according to the green-fingered experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk.
Plant some summer staples
Make the most of the warmth by adding to your vegetable patches.
Plant fresh produce like strawberries, lettuce and tomatoes over the weekend for a continual harvest throughout summer.
These staple items will thrive in the sunshine, so they’re not to be missed out on.
Fill up your flower beds
GardeningExpress.co.uk recommended planting delphiniums and coleus early in the month to brighten up beds, pots and borders.
Lupins, calendula, godetia and clarkia can all be directly sown into the ground now too, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
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Sow spring bedding
While summer bedding is ready to be planted, June is also a great time to start sowing ahead of next spring.
The RHS said: “If you want to grow your own spring bedding for next year, many (including wallflowers, pansies, and daisies, Bellis perennis) need to be sown between May and July in order to flower next spring.”
Keep plants hydrated
The warmer temperature can make your garden thrive, but the heat can allow for dry soil conditions which will dry out your plant.
Being consistent with watering will increase the soil moisture levels, which will result in healthy plant growth.
Perfect your mowing skills
Keep your lawnmower in working order this weekend and keep cutting the grass every week.
Mulch your green space
GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “This can be a gardener’s best friend to prevent weed seeds and keep moisture in the soil.
“It also adds organic matter to the soil, enhancing your garden health and producing the brightest of plants.”
Apply to beds, vegetable patches and your lawn too.
Fill up bird feeders
Feathered visitors will be very active at this time of year, so keep your bird feeders full to keep them fed.
This weekend is the perfect time to give bird feeders a wash ahead of a busy month.
Feed pots and baskets
Pots and hanging baskets should be fed during the warm season to encourage flowering throughout the summer.
Use a plant feed tailored to different varieties and always follow the application instructions before use.