Garden preparation for Summer

From Surrey Sods to Summer Splendour: Preparing Your Garden

In Surrey, the transition from spring to summer can be a wild ride—one week we’re dodging April showers in the Surrey Hills, and the next we’re facing a heatwave that turns the Wealden clay into a jigsaw puzzle of cracks.

Getting your garden ready now isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about resilience. Here is how to prep your outdoor space to ensure it thrives when the mercury rises.

1. The "Big Feed" (Before the Ground Dries)

Once the soil warms up but before the summer sun bakes it hard, you need to get nutrients to the roots.

• For Roses and Shrubs: Use a slow-release granular fertiliser. If you're on the sandy soils of Bagshot or Esher, look for one with added seaweed to help with moisture retention.

• For Lawns: Apply a nitrogen-rich summer feed. If your lawn took a beating over the wet winter, give it a light scarify first to clear out the moss.

2. Mulch Like Your Garden Depends on It

If you do only one thing this month, make it mulching. A 5-7cm layer of organic matter (compost, bark chippings, or well-rotted manure) acts like a cooling blanket for your plants.

• On Chalk: It stops the rapid evaporation that leaves plants wilting by midday.

• On Clay: It prevents the surface from "capping" and cracking, allowing what little rain we get to actually reach the roots.

3. Precision Pruning & Support

Summer storms can bring heavy winds that snap tall, top-heavy perennials.

• The "Chelsea Chop": Late May is the time to prune back perennials like Sedums or Phlox by half. This results in shorter, sturdier plants with more flowers that won't flop over.

• Stake Early: Don't wait for your Peonies or Delphiniums to fall over. Put your supports in now so the plants can grow through them naturally.

4. Optimize Your Watering Strategy

Water is a precious resource, especially if Surrey hits a hosepipe ban later in the season.

• Install Water Butts: If you haven't already, hook one up to your shed or house downpipe. Rainwater is better for those acid-loving Surrey Azaleas anyway!

• Check the Irrigation: If you use a "leaky hose" system, run it now to check for blockages before the plants are too big to move.

• Pot Maintenance: Re-pot container plants into slightly larger vessels or refresh the top 2 inches of soil with fresh compost and water-retaining crystals.

The Pre-Summer Checklist

Task	Why it Matters	Best Time
Edge the Lawns	Gives an instant "pro" look even if the grass grows long.	Mid-April / May
Deadhead Bulbs	Directs energy back into the bulb for next year’s display.	Immediately after flowering
Pest Patrol	Keep an eye out for aphids on new rose shoots.	Weekly
Clean the Patio	Remove winter algae to prevent slippery surfaces.	First dry weekend

5. Create a "Cool Zone"

Surrey gardens are often blessed with beautiful trees, but if you lack shade, now is the time to plan. Whether it’s a pergola draped in Wisteria or a strategically placed parasol, ensure you have a spot to enjoy the garden without melting.

Pro Tip: Plant some evening-scented flowers near your seating area, such as Nicotiana (Tobacco plant) or Night-scented stock, so you can enjoy the garden during those balmy Surrey evenings.

Are you planning on adding any new features or furniture to your garden this year?