I’m a gardening expert – these are three summer jobs I never skip

Hot weather can be tough on even the most established gardens. From thirsty plants and dry lawns to fast-growing weeds and fading flowers, summer often brings a new set of maintenance challenges for gardeners.

The Met Office has said there is a greater likelihood of warmer-than-average temperatures this summer so gardeners may be facing extra challenges this year.

Charlotte McGrattan, hardy nursery stock buyer at Hillier Garden Centres, shares three simple ways to keep gardens thriving during the warmer months.

Water wisely in hot weather

“Smart watering is the secret to a thriving garden, especially during a heatwave. For best results, water your plants during the coolest part of the day (in early morning or late evening) to minimise water loss through evaporation. Aim to water at the base of the plant so the roots can absorb it effectively, and try to avoid wetting the leaves to reduce the risk of disease. Containers and hanging baskets tend to dry out much faster than beds and borders, so these will need particular attention during warm spells.

“With growing pressure on water resources, gardeners should also be watering more thoughtfully. Collecting rainwater in a water butt is a simple and sustainable way to build up reserves, especially in the event of hosepipe restrictions. In general, it’s better to water less often but more deeply, making sure the rootball is thoroughly soaked. Adding a thick layer of organic mulch, such as wood chippings, compost or leaf mould, can also help the soil retain moisture for longer by reducing evaporation and insulating the soil surface.”

Choose drought-tolerant plants for easier care

“If you’re looking to reduce the amount of watering and maintenance your garden needs during summer, adding drought-tolerant plants is a great place to start. Once established, many of these varieties can cope well in hot and dry conditions, making them a practical choice for gardeners looking to create a more resilient outdoor space.

“Reliable choices include lavender, sedum and ornamental grasses such as stipa and festuca, all of which perform well in sunny positions. Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary and thyme are also excellent additions, bringing fragrance, structure and practical use in the kitchen or with barbecues. Incorporating drought-tolerant planting throughout the garden can help keep borders looking attractive while reducing the need for frequent watering during dry spells.”

Keep on top of the garden with a 20 minute tidy

“Summer garden maintenance doesn’t have to take over your weekend. In fact, short and regular bursts of activity are often far more effective than long and occasional sessions. Setting aside just twenty minutes can be enough to stop small jobs from piling up and keep the garden under control.

“The key is to focus on simple maintenance that helps keep plants healthy and the garden ticking over. That might include deadheading faded flowers to encourage further blooms, lightly weeding borders before weeds take hold or checking plants for early signs of pests, disease or stress.

“It also helps to keep on top of the structural elements of the garden. Regular mowing with blades set slightly higher during hot weather helps lawns retain moisture, while a quick tidy of edges or lightly cutting back overgrowth can instantly improve the overall appearance without needing a full overhaul.”

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For more gardening advice, seasonal tips and inspiration, or to shop online, visit www.hillier.co.uk. Gardeners can also join the Hillier Gardening Club for expert guidance, exclusive offers and year-round gardening inspiration.

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Editors notes

“To inspire the creation of green living spaces for now and the future” Hillier is one of the leading names in the horticultural industry, with 160 years of growing and retail experience.

Founded in 1864 by Edwin Hillier, the company remains a family-run nursery with the fifth generation now actively involved in the family business as it continues to grow.

Not only is Hillier the largest producer of semi-mature trees in Europe and grower of over one million plants at its Hampshire nursery, but it also employs over 750 staff across its nursery, amenity trees and 22 garden centre divisions and is a flourishing multi-million pound company. It proudly holds the world record for the most consecutive gold medals awards at the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with 74 wins.

As one of the leading growers in the UK, Hillier is involved in many peat-free initiatives, including the RHS Peat-Free Fellowship, the largest peat-free collaborative research project globally. The company was amongst the first nurseries to become 100% peat-free across both its production nursery and retail garden centres, and all Hillier plants are grown in peat-free compost.

Recent successes for the company include the launch of its online shop, the substantial redevelopment of Hillier Garden Centre Newbury and the acquisition of the Rosebourne Garden Centre Group in November 2022, as well as sponsorship of BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, and the incredibly popular free ‘Hillier Gardening Club’ loyalty program which now has over half a million members.

Renowned for being a leading breeder of plants in the UK at its 100% peat-free nursery in Hampshire, each year Hillier introduces amazing new varieties. Many of these have become essentials in British gardens and the company continues with the tradition of innovation and the introduction of new garden plants in the present day.