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The average rating for Bark Gardeners is 4.76, based on 1,300,493 reviews
5/5
based on 1,300,493 reviews
Summer is an ideal time to breathe new life into your garden, whether you're an experienced horticulturist or a novice. This guide offers practical advice for maintaining your garden during the warmer months, budget-friendly project ideas, and creative ways to maximize your outdoor space, no matter its size. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to cultivate a flourishing summer garden that aligns with your lifestyle and budget.
When planning summer gardening projects, it's essential to consider costs carefully. According to Bark.com's gardener price guide, UK gardeners charge between £20 and £50 per hour, depending on their location and expertise. For larger projects, day rates range from £150 to £300.
Key budgeting considerations include:
Materials: Compost (£5–£10 per bag), plants (£2–£15 each), and mulch (£7–£12 per bag)
Equipment: Tools, irrigation systems, and garden furniture
Professional Services: Tasks like tree pruning or landscape design
"Prioritize essential maintenance tasks first, then allocate remaining funds to projects that enhance your garden's joy and value." – Sarah Wilson, Garden Design Consultant
To keep summer gardening affordable:
DIY when possible, hiring professionals only for specialized tasks
Source plants from local swaps or garden club sales
Use recycled materials for borders and raised beds
Schedule maintenance during off-peak seasons
Consider group hiring with neighbours for larger equipment or services
Research indicates that 43% of UK gardeners save money by growing their own vegetables, with households saving an average of £268 annually. For more insights on maximizing your garden's potential, explore our inspiring gardening ideas.
Maintaining your garden during summer requires regular attention to several key areas:
In hot summer months, efficient watering is crucial. Water deeply but less frequently to promote deeper root growth. Early morning is the best time to water, reducing evaporation and preventing fungal diseases.
For container plants, which dry out faster, consider:
Self-watering containers
Grouping pots to create a microclimate
Adding water-retaining crystals to compost
Regular deadheading encourages continuous flowering. Remove spent blooms from roses, dahlias, and other flowering plants to redirect energy into new growth.
Summer pruning helps maintain plant shape and health:
Trim back spring-flowering shrubs after blooming
Lightly prune summer-flowering climbers
Remove damaged or diseased branches promptly
Warm weather accelerates weed growth and pest activity. Spend 10–15 minutes daily weeding rather than tackling the entire garden at once. For pest management, encourage natural predators like ladybirds by planting companion flowers such as marigolds and lavender. For more detailed strategies, consider our guide on pulling weeds vs. spraying weeds.
With increasingly hot UK summers, designing gardens to withstand drought is essential. A well-planned drought-resistant garden can cut water usage by up to 50% while staying vibrant.
Key elements of a drought-resilient garden include:
Mediterranean Plants: Lavender, rosemary, and olive trees thrive in dry conditions
Gravel Gardens: Offer excellent drainage and reduce evaporation
Rainwater Harvesting: Water butts can collect thousands of litres annually
Mulching: A 5–7cm layer of organic mulch significantly reduces water loss
"Creating a drought-tolerant garden doesn't mean sacrificing beauty. With the right plants and design, you can have a stunning garden that requires minimal watering." – Beth Chatto, drought-garden expert
As temperatures rise, night gardening offers a cool alternative to midday heat. Beyond comfort, evening gardening provides unique benefits for both plants and gardeners.
Reduced water evaporation
Less plant stress during transplanting
More comfortable working conditions
Opportunity to enjoy night-scented plants
Create a sensory evening garden with these night-performers:
Night-scented stock (Matthiola longipetala)
Evening primrose (Oenothera)
Night phlox (Zaluzianskya)
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
Invest in solar path lights or battery-operated headlamps for safe evening gardening.
Limited space doesn't mean limited gardening possibilities. Urban gardeners can transform small areas into productive green spaces with these techniques:
Utilize walls, fences, and railings to grow upward:
Install trellis systems for climbing vegetables like beans and peas
Create living walls with pocket planters
Use stackable containers on balconies
Hang baskets from railings and overhangs
For more tips on optimizing small spaces, visit our gardening tips for small spaces.
Modern container gardening goes beyond basic pots:
Self-watering containers reduce maintenance
Tiered planters maximize ground space
Window boxes add greenery without using floor space
Repurposed items like wooden crates add character
A study by the RHS found that container gardens can host up to 30% more plant varieties than equivalent ground space when properly designed.
Gardening in hot weather requires attention to personal wellbeing and safety. Each year, approximately 2,500 UK gardeners seek medical attention for heat-related issues.
When gardening in summer:
Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing
Use high-SPF sunscreen
Work during cooler morning or evening hours
Take breaks in shaded areas
Stay hydrated with water
For those with mobility challenges:
Raised beds at 60–90cm height reduce bending
Vertical gardens bring plants to accessible heights
Ergonomic tools with extended handles reduce strain
Garden paths should be at least 90cm wide for wheelchair access
Consider installing handrails along garden steps
While many summer gardening tasks are manageable, some projects benefit from professional expertise. According to Bark.com, common reasons to hire gardeners include:
Garden redesign and landscaping
Tree surgery and large hedge maintenance
Irrigation system installation
Lawn renovation and treatment
Regular maintenance during holidays
When hiring a gardener, request multiple quotes and check reviews on platforms like Bark.com. Garden makeovers range from £500 for small spaces to £5,000+ for larger redesigns. For more guidance, explore our advice and tips on hiring a gardener.
Creating a thriving summer garden doesn't require endless time or money—just thoughtful planning and regular care. By implementing these strategies, you can develop a garden that withstands summer challenges while providing beauty, produce, and a peaceful retreat.
Remember, gardening should bring joy, not stress. Start small, celebrate successes, and experiment with new plants and techniques. Whether tending a window box or managing a sprawling garden, the satisfaction of nurturing living things remains the same.
For tasks beyond your expertise, consider hiring a professional gardener through Bark.com to help bring your garden vision to life. Happy gardening!
The average rating for Bark Gardeners is 4.76, based on 1,300,493 reviews
5/5
based on 1,300,493 reviews
Need a gardener but not sure of the cost? Read our handy price guide to find out how much your expert will charge for all your gardening needs, including landscaping services, pressure washing, and more!
