Outdoor living expert Simon Parry has offered guidance on managing some of the most common and often disliked gardening tasks. Parry's advice focuses on making summer yard maintenance more efficient, covering everything from weeding and pest control to lawn care and watering.
Tackling Weeds and Pests
Parry described weeds as resilient plants that can hinder a garden's health by consuming resources. To make weeding less strenuous, he suggests using tools like a kneeling mat to prevent back strain and employing a strong trowel, fork, or Japanese gardening knife to extract weeds by their roots. This method is particularly effective for stubborn weeds and reduces the likelihood of their return. He also emphasized the importance of wearing garden gloves to prevent injuries from thorns or stings. For entertainment, he recommended listening to music or podcasts while working.
Ants and slugs are identified as common summer pests. Ants build mounds that can create uneven surfaces and disturb plant roots, while slugs can damage young plants. Parry suggests sweeping ant mounds on dry days to clear away nests. For slug control, he advises against slug pellets due to their potential harm to other wildlife. Instead, he recommends planting varieties less appealing to slugs, such as those with thick or waxy leaves, and disturbing the soil to expose slug eggs to predators.
Lawn and Plant Maintenance
Maintaining a healthy lawn, especially in hotter temperatures, requires regular mowing with a raised blade to encourage growth. Parry noted that keeping the grass slightly longer helps it retain moisture. He also highlighted that a good quality mower with sharp blades can significantly improve the lawn's appearance, preventing a frayed or uneven finish.
Dealing with challenging tasks like removing ivy can also be difficult. Ivy's tendency to grip surfaces and grow roots along its stem makes it stubborn. Parry stresses the importance of protective gear, such as heavy-duty gloves and full-coverage clothing, when removing ivy to prevent skin irritation and to protect against dust and dirt trapped by the plant.
Watering and Leaf Management
Hot weather can make garden watering a more demanding chore. Parry suggests watering plants and grass during cooler parts of the day, such as sunrise or sunset, to avoid heat stress for both the gardener and the plants. Moving potted plants into the shade during peak heat is also advised. He noted that the ongoing heatwave has made garden maintenance particularly challenging.
While raking leaves is often seen as an autumn task, Parry advises addressing fallen leaves regularly. Leaving leaves on the lawn over winter can damage the grass. He recommends weekly clearing to save time and prevent damage. Tools like a hand blower, a plastic lawn rake, leaf grabbers, and bulk bags can assist in this process. Fallen leaves can also be a valuable compost material.