Plan a winning summer garden

Rapid growth. Soaring temperatures. Rain-soaked soil. Summer brings a surge of garden activity, and with it, the need for consistent upkeep.

“From residential gardens to expansive outdoor spaces, from game lodges to hotels, keeping up with seasonal growth ensures green spaces stay healthy and manageable, particularly as we near the festive season,” explains Timothy Isabirye, the marketing manager of Husqvarna South Africa.

“With the right equipment, maintenance routines become easier, more efficient and even enjoyable.”

Lorna Ochiel, the East Africa representative of Husqvarna and a keen gardener, shares her go-to tips for summer garden care, from practical routines and water-wise habits to tools that make maintenance easier.

Cleaning
Outdoor surfaces, such as patios, driveways, paving, flowerpots, and garden furniture, collect dirt, algae and debris during the rainy season. A pressure washer efficiently removes this buildup. Use a fan nozzle for delicate surfaces and keep a safe distance to ensure a thorough clean without damaging the finish.

Watering
Watering early in the morning or late in the afternoon gives plants the best chance to soak up moisture before the heat sets in. The key is consistency: Watering at regular times makes roots grow deeper and plants handle dry spells better. In summer, two to three deep weekly waterings usually do the trick, unless it rains. Regularly check potted and delicate plants, as they dry out quickly.

Spraying
A sprayer takes the effort out of routine garden care. Whether applying pest treatments or feeding plants nutrients, it reaches tight spots around pots, raised beds, and edges that are tricky by hand.

Targeted spraying saves time, reduces chemical runoff and prevents overwatering. For best results, work during cooler parts of the day and always test on a small area first to ensure plants respond well.

Cutting
Got overgrown edges or thick, uneven grass? Depending on the size of your property, a combi brushcutter will make quick work of tough patches, weeds and rough terrain without hours of effort.

It’s ideal for larger and neglected areas that a standard trimmer can’t handle. With optional attachments for edging, hedge trimming and more, this tool can tackle multiple jobs, saving you time and energy during seasonal upkeep. As always, don’t forget your protective gear.

Trimming
Thinning dense shrubs improves airflow and allows light to reach all parts of the plant. It also reduces the risk of fungal growth and keeps plants healthy. A hedge trimmer is ideal for shaping and maintaining neat lines, enabling you to trim plants precisely with less strain. Always remember: First, inspect hedges and shrubs for nesting birds or small animals before trimming.

Planting
If you’re replacing plants or adding new ones, why not go for hardy, indigenous varieties best suited to your area? They are adapted to local conditions, so they generally need less water and care, and many attract bees, butterflies and sunbirds that pollinate your garden.

Planting a mix that flowers at different times keeps these pollinators around for longer, while also encouraging natural pest control. If you’re not sure where to start, your local nursery can suggest combinations that suit your region.

Mulching
Start summer by spreading a thin layer of compost to feed the soil, then top it with mulch, such as bark, leaves or grass clippings. It keeps the soil cool, locks in moisture and keeps weeds at bay while slowly nourishing your plants. Check your beds frequently and top up the mulch if it looks thin. Remember to keep it a little away from stems and trunks to prevent rot.

“Summer gardening isn’t about doing everything at once; it’s about doing the right things consistently,” says Ochiel.

“Work smart, not hard. Stick to a routine, use the right tools, like those from Husqvarna, and give your garden the care it needs. You’ll be rewarded with a garden full of colour, life and fragrance to enjoy all season,” she concludes.