Published: 22 June 2025
It’s been a varied summer so far this year. With a series of heatwaves interspersed with rain, our gardens don’t know if they’re coming or going. While some parts of the country are facing drought, here at Holker Hall and Gardens, parts of the grounds are waterlogged. This means that it’s not always obvious how to keep our gardens happy. So, what can you do to keep your garden healthy, beautiful, and thriving all summer long?
Summer Garden Care Tips
Water wisely
When the weather is hot, it’s tempting to water your garden every day. But watering deeply is far more effective than watering frequently, as it encourages stronger root growth. Watering in the early morning also makes more sense, because there’s less evaporation and it lowers the risk of fungal disease. Instead of watering from the top, it’s also a good idea to soak pots in a bucket once a week.
Mulch mulch mulch
Topping your borders with a layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips, straw, or compost can help to keep the soil cool, conserve water, and suppress weeds. As an added bonus, as it breaks down, it will help improve soil health.
Deadhead spent flowers
Regularly removing faded or dead blooms encourages flowering. It diverts the plant’s energy from seed production back into new growth. This helps to ensure that your garden looks lovely for longer.
Feed your plants
Plants need food to thrive. Using a balanced, slow-release fertiliser can help to prolong the flowering season. While ensuring that your plants have enough energy to grow vigorously. Flowering plants benefit from a phosphorus-rich formula, while leafy greens thrive on nitrogen.
Weed
Weeds compete for nutrients and water. So, when there’s limited water, it makes sense to weed. Hand-pulling is effective after a rain, or try hoeing early in the day.
Watch for pests
There’s been a lot of aphids and spider mites around this summer. And fungal diseases tend to be more prevalent when it’s humid. By inspecting your plants regularly, you can deal with the problem before it gets too far. With careful planting and habitat creation, you can attract beneficial insects, such as ladybirds and lacewings to deal with pests without harming pollinators.
Provide sun protection
This isn’t necessary for all plants, but if you have any delicate specimens, it can be helpful to shade them on the really hot days. It’s also a good idea to avoid pruning in extreme heat as it can stress your plants further. While pruning when it’s wet can increase the risk of fungal and bacterial infections.
Mow sensibly
When you keep your grass slightly longer, it shades the soil and helps with moisture retention. So, raise your mower blades slightly.
Harvest regularly
Whether you’re growing flowers for cutting or fruit and veg for eating, the more frequently you harvest, the more productive your plants will be.
Enjoy your space
Gardening shouldn’t ever just be about hard work. All that effort is pointless if you don’t take the time to enjoy it. So, add some seating and sit and enjoy the fruit of your labours.
Summer is peak gardening season. But it can quickly become overwhelming in hot weather. But with careful watering and a little planning, you can keep your garden looking fresh and feeling healthy right through until the autumn. Just don’t forget to take some time to enjoy the season yourself.Plan your visit to Holker Hall & Gardens today.