SUMMER IN THE GARDEN

By Emma Sousa

Summer is the perfect time if you are a gardening enthusiast, when you can get your hands dirty and watch all your hard work come to fruition. The warm temperatures, long days and lots of summer sunshine provide the perfect conditions for many plants to thrive. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can create a productive garden that will flourish throughout the summer months with a bit of time and effort from yourself. With the increasing temperatures we have been experiencing over the last few years, it may be time to adapt to more heat-loving varieties, and I would also highly recommend that you put in place as many water harvesting tools as you possibly can. Water butts are a cheap and easy way to collect water during the wetter months and you could even consider using grey water from bathroom and kitchen water waste. A simple system can easily be put in place to make use of something that otherwise goes back into the water system - you have already paid for it so you may as well make use of it!

One of the first things you need to do when planning your summer garden is to choose the right plants. Summer is the season for vibrant colours and bold, bright blooms. Some popular summer flowers include sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds and dahlias. These colourful flowers not only add beauty to your garden but also attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which help to pollinate your other plants.

In addition to flowers, summer is also a great time to grow vegetables and herbs. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and beans are just a few examples of vegetables that thrive in the summer heat. Herbs such as basil, thyme, oregano and parsley are also perfect for growing in the summer, as they love the warm temperatures and sunshine.

Once you have chosen the plants you want to grow, it is time to prepare your soil (or hopefully you have already planned for this, and your beds are all ready to go). Summer gardens require fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, especially when the days are dry and hot. Adding compost to your soil will help to enrich it with nutrients and improve its ability to retain moisture which is super important. You should also mulch your garden beds to help conserve water and prevent weeds from taking root. The more organic matter you add, the better your soil will be. I garden on London clay but over the years have added lots of home-made compost which has made the soil much easier to work with and the plants certainly appreciate it. If you don’t have a compost system in place, set one up and reap the rewards later on down the line.

Watering your garden is one of the most important jobs during the summer months and although it can seem like an endless task, in order for things to thrive and survive, it’s a crucial part of your summer routine. The hot temperatures and long days can quickly dry out your soil, so it is important to water your plants regularly. It is always best to water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler and the water is less likely to evaporate - I prefer in the evening so they have a full night to drink it all up while it stays cooler for longer.

. Another important thing to consider during the warmer months is pest control. The warm temperatures and humid conditions can attract a variety of pests, including aphids, caterpillars and whiteflies to name a few. Also be warned, if you grow dahlias, of earwigs which tend to love burrowing in their flowers and can decimate them overnight. To prevent these pests from damaging your plants, it is important to inspect your garden regularly and remove any infested leaves or stems. Use natural pest control methods, such as encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings or spraying your plants with a home-made solution of soap and water. Companion planting is also a great method not only for attracting beneficial predators but also to deter the pesky ones. Nasturtiums and the allium family are brilliant for deterring carrot root fly for example. Garlic and onions are great planted with peas and beans as is mint. Do grow mint in a container though because it has a habit of becoming slightly invasive –and don’t forget, mint is also great for making mint tea, Pimm’s and Mojitos!

If you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse, try your hand at growing chillis, peppers, aubergines and tomatoes: I grow tomatoes both indoors and outdoors and have good results with both. Also don’t forget to grow your micro greens on your kitchen window ledge – they are packed full of nutrients and so easy to grow time and the again.

So, get growing and make the most of this rewarding and enjoyable time of year. By choosing the right plants, preparing your soil, watering regularly, and controlling pests, you can create a beautiful and productive garden that will thrive throughout the season. With a little bit of effort and care, you can enjoy fresh flowers, vegetables, and herbs all summer long and create a little haven in your back garden. Enjoy!