How to keep your garden clean and tidy

Last updated on 24/05/2023

With the busyness of everyday life your garden can become an afterthought. How often have you peered out of the window of your house and been disappointed with what you have seen. Given the right amount of time, effort and care you can rejuvenate your garden space. Follow these five steps to get started.

Look after your lawn

Your lawn is the centrepiece of any garden. It most likely covers your entire outdoor space so giving it some attention is crucial in your quest for a tidy garden. Regularly trimming your lawn (once a week if possible) will prevent it from overgrowing and will allow you to manage your grass length. For large, open spaces a ride on mower is best, for smaller areas a walk-behind and for hard-to-reach areas a line trimmer will do the trick.

Fertilising will help to keep your grass looking fresh and full of life. Westland Aftercut is an all-in-one fertiliser and moss killer. It is most effective during the Spring/Summer months when grass, moss and weeds are actively growing. Aerating the soil with a garden fork will encourage the free passage of water and nutrients from the fertiliser. Only apply fertiliser when the grass is dry and soil is moist.

For those drier spells during the summer months (typically July and August) watering your lawn may be a good idea. The ideal time is early in the morning when the temperature is low, allowing the grass to absorb more water. Failing that the evening is also a good time to do this. A hosepipe with a spraying attachment will garner the best results and avoid water wastage while ensuring an even covering.

Weed control

The enemy of a healthy garden is the weed. They can wreak havoc to any garden because they are moisture and nutrient thieves. They take all that is meant for your plants for themselves so removing them correctly and attempting to keep them away from your garden is crucial.

For the most telling results use a garden weeding fork like the Draper heavy duty fork to take it out at the root. Once you have removed as much of the plant as possible, use a weed killer to keep them at bay. If weeds are attacking your lawn, then Weedol lawn weed killer will take out dandelion, daisy, plantain and more. For pathways and patios Weedol pathclear will prevent new weed growth for up to three months.

Do not be alarmed if you see no immediate results (those pesky weeds can be stubborn) as it will take several weeks for weeds to die. Allow for up to a month to notice any tangible change. Like fertiliser, any form of weed killer is most effective from April to September.

Patio/porch cleaning

Outdoor surfaces can accumulate over time a large amount of dirt, algae, and mould. If left to its own devices it will permanently damage your patio, decking and even your garden furniture.

Pressure washing these surfaces is the most successful way to combat this but for those who do not have access to such a piece of equipment there is an alternative. MMC (Multisurface Mould Cleaner) Pro hard surface cleaner is a high performance anti-bacterial disinfectant that targets green/black algae and mould.

It is best applied using a low-pressure sprayer ensuring the entire surface has been saturated. You do not have to scrub or wash it in, it takes minutes to apply and you will have visible results in just 3-4 days.

The results below are an illustration of the power of MMC Pro.

Organise your plants

If you are a keen gardener then you will most likely have an assortment of potted plants and other decorative features. To keep your garden looking fresh be sure to look out for any plants that appear a little drab and faded. Moving things around can also bring a new dynamic. Mixing and matching different pots and planters can give your garden a new lease of life.

If your garden is screened off by railings or a balcony and you have a limited amount of space then a hanging flowerpot or trough is a picturesque way to present your garden plants. Alternatively, if you have a little more room to play with a planter can be used to grow larger plants and even small trees.

Perhaps you do not have a pristine lawn, a focal point like a piece of furniture or balcony with a view. What you lack you can compensate for with a colourful and vibrant display of potted plants, shrubs, and flowers.

Keep your furniture clean

Your outdoor furniture is just as important of a component of your garden as anything else. Keeping it looking fresh will pay dividends in the long run.

This could be anything from giving it a hose down to rid it of any grime or dirt to weekly wipe-downs with a wet cloth. Sanding down your garden furniture before beginning the cleaning process will yield better results.

If you have a bench, chair or outdoor dining table that is exposed year-round to the elements then covering it with a tarp or some other protective cover will keep it from weathering. Always remember to leave a gap at the bottom to allow air to circulate. Alternatively, if you have a garage or shed then storing your furniture somewhere dry will alleviate fears of weather damage.

Follow these five simple steps and you can guarantee to look out at your garden and breathe a sigh of relief.

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