Whether you are a seasoned gardener, just starting out or looking for new ways to keep busy during the lockdown we have just what you need to make the most out of your garden and find some solace during this uncertain time.
For many of us, as the warm weather returns our gardens have become an extra living space, a little piece of outside that you can feel relaxed in and a place that can only benefit from a little bit of additional attention.
If you are looking to jazz up your outdoor space, give yourself or your kids a goal to sink your teeth into
So, green-fingered or not, what can you do to flourish in your garden this summer?
Follow The Light
If you were looking to grow herbs or vegetables, an area of the garden that gets a lot of morning sunlight would be preferable. Most vegetables need as much sunlight as possible to sprout, grow and flourish. Always choose a solid spot in your garden that won’t be too disturbed, e.g. by the kids playing, if you are entertaining or even if you are having a BBQ, that way your turnips, potatoes or cucumbers can grow peacefully and with much more promise.
2. Work The Soil
Whether you choose vegetables, shrubbery or flowers to grow, start with a good foundation. Top-notch soil and mulch help to encourage growth. Get those fingers dirty!
3. Feed The Birds
If you are not sure where to start but want more from your space, start with a bird feeder. You can get any style you like, ensure the seeds are plentiful and watch them flock. This is a great job for the kids; they love seeing instant results, as will you.
4. Clear Your Space
From sweeping and weeding, rearranging furniture to replacing, buying or cleaning ornaments in the garden; having a good clear out can be hugely therapeutic and can make for a more inviting space that can be used in a multitude of ways. From working out, making it a dining area to social distance meet ups and even camping out; making your garden a place that can be used often makes the house feel bigger and with summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to try making more of the space.
5. Serenity and Calm
What about a water feature for a little meditative calm? Or jus to simply impress the neighbours, adding beautiful touches to the garden is a lovely way to want to use the space more.
6. Get Online
As a nation we have been hitting the online shopping hard since we were thrust into lockdown in March. For many those daily or weekly deliveries have been an absolutely blessing of convenience. For tools, plants, seeds and accessories; if you are not used to the world of online shopping, get clicking, you’ll love the ease.
7. Start Small
Perhaps you start with a corner area and work outwards. Those who are new to gardening can feel a little overwhelmed or struggle to know where to start. Buy a plant that already has some height to it, plant and once you feel confident move to the next patch. Start small and build up!
8. Sowing
Probably one of the most satisfying feelings in the world; sowing seeds is the longer game gardening. As you watch the progress you will want to spend more time in the garden, perfect your skills and creating a beautiful array of flowers, plants and edibles.
9. A little Bit of Outdoors, Inside
Do not be disheartened if you do not have a garden or outdoor space. Houseplants and windowsill herb boxes are a fantastic addition to any home and a great way to begin your gardening career. Find pockets of your home to add greenery too and you’ll see an instant difference in the overall look and feel of your home.
10. Move with the Times
Flow with the calendar. Yes, we are in the summer but there are plenty of additions you can make to your garden that don’t require spring or autumn to be here. Research what is in season and what you can be planning for come the following season; plan how you want your garden to look by this time next year and get working on it today!
Being outside has huge benefits for your mental and physical health and while we all try to make the best of a bad situation, gardening is the perfect blend of physical activity and mindful planning while wholeheartedly being able to enjoy the fruits of your labour.