How to Care for Your Garden in Early Summer (Especially Your Hedges)

Early summer is one of the most exciting times in the garden. Everything is in full swing — the days are longer, the plants are thriving, and if you’ve been nurturing a hedge or thinking about planting one, now’s a great time to give it some attention.

Whether you’re maintaining an established garden or planning something new, here’s what to focus on in early summer to keep your outdoor space looking its best.

Keep an Eye on Watering

As the weather warms up, consistent watering becomes more important, especially for younger hedges and newly planted areas. The trick is to water deeply but less frequently, encouraging roots to grow down into the soil. Early mornings or evenings are best, as less water evaporates and your plants have time to absorb it fully.

If you’re dealing with drier conditions, it’s worth considering drought-tolerant hedge varieties like Elaeagnus ebbingei or Griselinia. These tough performers will take the heat in their stride.

Time for a Trim?

Early summer is ideal for a gentle prune, particularly if you have evergreen hedges like Yew, Box or Privet. A light trim helps shape the hedge, encourages denser growth, and keeps everything looking neat. Avoid cutting in the heat of the day, though — it can stress the plants and leave brown edges.

Sharp tools make all the difference here. A clean cut heals faster and keeps your hedge looking tidy. And if you’ve been putting off shaping a messy border, now’s your chance to turn things around!

Early Summer Garden Care

Feed for a Lush Look

Plants, like people, need fuel. After the big spring growth spurt, a summer feed can give your hedges the nutrients they need to stay healthy and vibrant. A slow-release fertiliser works well, or you can mulch around the base with organic matter — it helps retain moisture and improves soil health at the same time.

This is especially useful if your soil is sandy or light, as nutrients tend to wash through more quickly.

Watch Out for Pests

With warmth and growth comes… pests. Aphids, mildew, and other little nuisances love this time of year. Don’t panic if you spot a few bugs, but do keep an eye on things. Inspect the undersides of leaves and maintain healthy foliage by ensuring good airflow. Most problems can be caught early and sorted naturally.

If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, feel free to drop us a photo — we’re always happy to help identify what’s bugging your plants.

Thinking of Planting? You Still Can

People often assume spring or autumn are the only times to plant hedges, but that’s not strictly true. With the right care, early summer can be a fantastic time to establish new plants. As long as you’re prepared to water regularly, your new hedge can settle in just fine and give you structure and privacy all through the year.

If you’re not sure what to plant, now’s a great time to explore options like Yew for classic formality, Hornbeam for seasonal texture, or something more wildlife-friendly like Hawthorn.

Final Thought

Early summer is the moment your garden starts to show its full potential — but it’s also a great time to keep things on track. A bit of pruning, some careful watering, and an eye on plant health will go a long way. And if you’re ready to add something new, don’t wait until autumn — you’ve still got time to plant something beautiful.

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