As plants thrive in the warmer months, it’s important to stay on top of essential tasks that keep your outdoor space looking its best. Hayden Salt, garden centre manager at Jacksons Nurseries, said: “You should enjoy your garden all year round, but summer is obviously a time when things look their best. However, there are a few jobs that need tending to and these pieces of equipment will help you carry them out with ease.”
From battling weeds to keeping your lawn immaculate, these are the five must-have tools to elevate your garden this season. Here’s what every gardener should have in their shed this summer.
1. Weeding hoe
A damp winter followed by a burst of warm spring sunshine has left gardens up and down the country brimming with life.
Unfortunately, that includes unwanted visitors like dandelions, bindweed and other invasive plants that can quickly take over borders and flower beds.
“Long-handled weeding hoes are perfect for the job,” said Hayden. “Ridding your soil of unsightly plants while also being kind to your back.”
For gardeners dealing with dense soil, a sharp-bladed Dutch hoe slices through roots with ease, while a stirrup hoe is ideal for loosening topsoil and dislodging weeds at the surface. Not only do these tools help protect your prized plants, but they also make weeding a much quicker and more satisfying task.
2. Lawn edging tool
A lush, green lawn is the centrepiece of any well-kept garden, but it’s the finishing touches that really make it stand out.
Neat, well-defined edges give your grass a crisp, polished appearance that professionals swear by.
Hayden explained: “Lawns should be mowed, watered and fed throughout the summer, but what many people neglect is a sharp edge that gives a beautifully neat finish.”
Traditional half-moon edging tools provide control and precision, while steel-bladed edging knives offer extra durability when dealing with stubborn roots. Regular edging not only improves the look of your lawn but also prevents overgrowth creeping onto paths and flower beds.
3. Paving block brush
“Many people give their patio a jet wash, then sweep kiln-dried sand into the gaps to discourage weeds from taking root,” said Hayden. “However, it’s not a fail-safe method and there will always be a few unwanted plants that poke through.”
A strong paving block brush with wire bristles angled for narrow crevices will save you hours of bending and scraping. With regular use, it’ll keep your hard surfaces clean, tidy and weed-free throughout the season.
4. Garden hose and sprinkler
A reliable garden hose and sprinkler system can make the difference between thriving blooms and wilting foliage. “These are essential for keeping everything hydrated when the sun is beating down for days on end,” said Hayden.
Sprinklers come in various styles, from oscillating models ideal for lawns to spike sprinklers that target flowerbeds with precision.
5. Secateurs
No summer gardening kit is complete without a trusty pair of secateurs, perfect for pruning and tidying up fast-growing plants.
“These are ideal for pruning and cutting back plants, which is important at this time of year,” said Hayden. “It will limit vigorous growth and improve light and air circulation.”
A sharp, clean cut is essential – so choose a pair of secateurs that feel comfortable in your hand and are made from high-quality steel.