Summer Garden Planting Tips for North London Residents

 

Summer in North London brings warmer temperatures and longer days, creating the perfect conditions for a vibrant garden. At Eden Gardens, we want to help you make the most of this energetic season with planting tips that will ensure your garden bursts with colour and life. Here’s what you should plant and how to care for your garden during the summer months.

What to Plant in Summer

Flowers:

Annuals: Brighten your garden with summer-flowering annuals such as marigolds, petunias, and geraniums. These plants provide continuous colour and are perfect for garden beds, borders, and containers.

Perennials: Add lasting beauty with summer-blooming perennials like lavender, coneflowers, and daylilies. These plants come back year after year and often require less maintenance.

Climbers: Enhance vertical spaces by planting climbers such as clematis, honeysuckle, and climbing roses. These plants can create stunning displays on trellises, fences, and pergolas.

Herbs:

Basil: A summer favourite, basil thrives in the warm weather and can be used fresh in many dishes. Plant it in pots or garden beds where it can receive plenty of sunlight.

Coriander and Dill: These herbs also do well in summer and add fresh flavours to your cooking. They can be grown in containers or directly in the garden.

Vegetables:

Tomatoes: A quintessential summer crop, tomatoes love the heat and produce abundant, juicy fruits. Plant them in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.

Cucumbers: Another heat-loving vegetable, cucumbers grow quickly and can be trained to climb, saving space in your garden.

Beans: Whether bush or pole varieties, beans are easy to grow and produce plentifully during the summer months.

Summer Garden Care Tips

Watering:

Regular Watering: Ensure your garden receives adequate water, especially during dry spells. Early morning or late evening watering reduces evaporation and allows plants to absorb moisture efficiently.

Deep Soaking: Water deeply rather than frequently. This encourages plants to develop deeper root systems, making them more drought-tolerant.

Mulching: Apply mulch around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain an even soil temperature. Organic mulches such as straw, bark chips, or compost are excellent choices.

Feeding:

Fertilise: Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to provide essential nutrients throughout the growing season. Organic options like compost or well-rotted manure can also enrich the soil.

Liquid Feed: For a quick nutrient boost, apply a liquid fertiliser every few weeks, especially to heavy feeders like tomatoes and cucumbers.

Pruning and Deadheading:

Pruning: Regularly prune dead or overgrown branches from shrubs and perennials to promote healthy growth and flowering.

Deadheading: Remove spent flowers from annuals and perennials to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.

Pest and Disease Control:

Monitor Regularly: Check your plants frequently for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection and treatment can prevent significant damage.

Natural Remedies: Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to keep pests in check.

Enjoying Your Summer Garden

Summer is also a time to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Create inviting outdoor spaces with comfortable seating, shaded areas, and decorative elements like garden lights or water features. Host garden parties, barbecues, or simply relax and soak in the beauty of your blooming oasis.

At Eden Gardens, we believe that with the right planting choices and care, your summer garden in North London can thrive beautifully. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting, these tips will help you cultivate a vibrant and flourishing garden that brings joy throughout the sunny season. Happy gardening!