Whether you’re trying to revive a tired lawn, protect plants during a heatwave or enjoy more time outdoors with family and friends, summer is one of the busiest times of year for gardeners. But with so much advice online, it can be difficult to know what’s actually worth following.
At Honest Communications, we’re lucky enough to work with some of the UK’s leading gardening and outdoor living brands, speaking to their experts every day about everything from lawn care and biodiversity to outdoor entertaining. We’ve rounded up some of their top summer tips to help you make the most of your garden this season.
Help your lawn recover after paddling pools – Cobra
“Paddling pools can leave lawns looking yellow, flattened and patchy because the grass underneath isn’t getting the sunlight and airflow it needs. The good news is that, in most cases, healthy grass will recover once the pool is removed. Lift the flattened blades with a rake, water during dry spells and keep your lawn healthy with regular mowing and feeding to help it bounce back.”
Hold off aerating during a heatwave – Relentless Gardener
“Aeration is usually one of the best things you can do for a lawn, but timing is everything. During periods of extreme heat, grass switches into survival mode, so aerating can add unnecessary stress. Instead, raise your mower blades slightly and water deeply in the early morning or evening to help your lawn cope with hot weather.”
Don’t ignore moss – Maxicrop
“Moss is often a sign that a lawn is struggling, whether that’s because the soil is compacted, nutrients have been depleted or the grass has been weakened by prolonged wet weather. Rather than simply removing the moss, improve the conditions that help healthy grass thrive by raking out dead moss and feeding the lawn to encourage fresh, green growth.”
Protect houseplants from scorching – Baby Bio
“While cacti and succulents are built to cope with hot, dry conditions, many houseplants can struggle during a heatwave. If possible, move them out of direct afternoon sunlight, particularly if they’re sitting on a south- or west-facing windowsill. A sheer curtain or partially closed blind can also help soften the light and protect delicate leaves.”
Stop mosquitoes before they become a problem – Thermacell
“Blocked gutters are one of the most overlooked mosquito hotspots around the home. Leaves and other debris can trap rainwater for days or even weeks, creating the perfect breeding ground without homeowners even realising. Checking and clearing gutters regularly, particularly after heavy rain, can help remove standing water and make your garden far less attractive to mosquitoes.”
Make the most of every rainfall – elho
“Rainwater is one of the best things you can use in the garden. It’s naturally soft, free from added chemicals and ideal for keeping plants healthy. Collecting rainwater whenever possible means you’ll have a ready supply during drier spells, helping your plants thrive while reducing the amount of mains water you use.”
Keep pruning tools clean and sharp – Wilkinson Sword
“Summer is the ideal time to keep hedges, shrubs and topiary looking neat, but it’s important to use the right tool for the task. Sharp, well-maintained tools produce cleaner cuts that help plants recover more quickly and reduces the chance of disease, while choosing the correct tool for the size and type of growth makes pruning easier and delivers a better finish.”
Give pollinators a helping hand – Seedball
“Pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies play a vital role in helping flowers, fruit and vegetables thrive, but many are struggling as natural habitats continue to disappear. The good news is that you don’t need a large garden to help – whether it’s a window box, balcony planter or small patch of soil, even the smallest outdoor space can provide valuable food and shelter when planted with wildflowers that these invaluable creatures thrive on.”
Stay one step ahead of garden pests – Ladybird Plantcare
“While a few caterpillars are unlikely to cause any lasting damage, larger numbers can quickly strip foliage, damage flowers and spoil fruit and vegetable crops. Check plants regularly for tell-tale signs such as chewed leaves, holes and clusters of eggs, as spotting a problem early makes it much easier to manage naturally and maintain a healthy, balanced garden ecosystem.”
Protect your summer harvest – Nemasys
“Summer is when many fruit and vegetable pests are at their most active, so regular checks are key to protecting your harvest. Keep an eye out for damaged fruit, holes in leaves or signs of pest activity, as spotting problems early makes them much easier to manage before they spread.”
Choose plants that can cope with the heat – Hillier
“If you’re looking to create a garden that’s easier to care for during hot weather, drought-tolerant planting is a great place to start. Varieties such as lavender, sedum, rosemary and ornamental grasses cope well in sunny conditions, helping borders stay colourful while reducing the need for frequent watering.”
Get your barbecue ready for summer – Charles Bentley
“A little preparation goes a long way before barbecue season gets underway. Giving your grill a thorough clean and checking everything is working properly before your first cookout will help food cook more evenly, reduce the risk of flare-ups and ensure you’re ready for relaxed summer entertaining whenever the sun comes out.”
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Great content starts with genuine expertise. At Honest Communications, we help brands uncover the stories, insights and advice that their customers really want to hear, turning expert knowledge into PR, content and social media that delivers results. If you’d like to find out how we could do the same for your business, we’d love to chat.