Summer gardening tips: make the most of June, July and August

Looking for practical summer gardening tips? In June, July and August your garden calls for smart choices, quality tools and thoughtful maintenance. In this article you’ll find, month by month, what’s happening in your garden and which Sneeboer hand tools fit the job. Whether you’re working in a vegetable plot, ornamental garden or orchard – with these summer tips you’ll get the very best out of the season.

Summer gardening tips: June – Growth, bloom and the first harvest

In June the garden is at its most beautiful. Many plants are in full bloom and the first vegetables are ready to harvest. At the same time, it’s a month of tending, weeding and looking ahead. With these summer tips you’ll give your garden a flying start.

• Lifting flower bulbs: Use the bulb-lifting spade to remove spent bulbs without damage.
• Filling summer borders: Plant summer bloomers with a hand bulb planter or planting trowel.
• Controlling weeds: Use the draw hoe or the weeding finger to clean between plants.
• Dividing perennials: Split plants such as iris with the transplanting spade.
• First potato harvest: Use the potato fork to lift tubers carefully.
• Composting: Start a new layer with the compost fork.

Want to keep your tools in top condition during the summer months? Check out our tool maintenance tips.

Recommended gardening tools

Summer gardening tips: July – Harvesting, maintenance and looking ahead

Summer gardening tips are essential in July too. It’s often hot and dry. Many plants need water, vegetables ripen quickly and your garden calls for daily care and good tools.

• Harvesting: Garlic, onions, carrots and beetroot are ready. Use a root lifter or fork to harvest without damage.
• Plant winter crops: Leeks, kale and cauliflower can still be planted. Use a planting trowel.
• Weeding in dry spells: Tackle weeds at the root with a Royal hand hoe or beet hoe.
• Retaining moisture: Hoe regularly and mulch around thirsty plants.

Also make time to evaluate. What’s going well, and what could be better? Tip: read our article on lawn aeration for a lush green lawn in the heat.

Summer gardening tips: August – Preparing for autumn

August is a transitional month. You’re harvesting plenty, but you’re also getting the garden ready for autumn and winter. These summer gardening tips help you make the most of the last warm weeks.

• Clearing faded plants: Use a transplanting spade to work neatly.
• Planting biennials: Foxgloves and forget-me-nots can be planted now with a small planting spade.
• Weeds between paving: Use the joint scraper for narrow gaps.
• Improving drainage: Take the drainage spade to loosen compacted soil.
• Collecting seeds: Use secateurs to collect from faded annuals.

More summer gardening tips from Sneeboer

Want to garden successfully all year round? Take a look at these practical articles:

• Transplanting perennials for a healthy winter garden
• Tool maintenance: keep them in top condition for years
• Lawn aeration after a dry summer

Work with tools that last generations

Since 1913, Sneeboer has been making hand-forged garden tools for enthusiasts and professionals. Each piece is designed for precision work, comfort and longevity. With our help and these summer gardening tips, gardening becomes even more enjoyable. Visit our webshop or plan a visit to our workshop in Bovenkarspel.

Do you have questions or would you like personal advice? Get in touch – we’ll be happy to help.