Summer! The season of braais, cold refreshments and thundershowers (if you live in Joburg that is). For most people, myself included, Summer is their highlight of the year. I mean who can resist cracking open a cold one, the smell of smoke in the air as you get down to the age-old tradition of cooking meat over a fire. But I digress!

Here’s the real reason we’re here: Summer is also the best time for gardening. The warm climate and sunshine allow for plants and flowers to reach their full potential. Although Mother Nature is on your side, it doesn’t hurt to have summer gardening tips in your back pocket.

1. Attack of the weeds

As the weather gets warmer, the weeds come out to play, but there are ways of deterring them from growing in your garden. To combat these pesky weeds, start by mulching and cultivating. Depending on the size of your garden, we recommend our three-piece gardening set which includes a hardened carbon steel hand trowel, fork and daisy grubber for weeding.

2. Fertilise, fertilise, fertilise

We recommend organic fertiliser for your veggie garden as they contribute organic matter to your soil, improving its structure, feeding soil microbes, fighting fungal and bacterial diseases and contributing micronutrients. Use our Square Mouth Domestic Y Grip shovel with its light weight design to make quick work of scattering your fertiliser. Alternatively, if you have more area to work with, you can use our 12 litre Fertiliser Spreader for lawns and larger gardens.

3. Plant those veggies for your next braai salad

The warmer months are the best time to plant vegetables. The warmth of the soil and longer days allow for these types of vegetables to thrive in the summer:

• Beans
• Celery
• Corn
• Peppers
• Squash
• Zucchini.

4. Till the soil

Good soil allows for roots to grow quickly and spread. Tilling helps break up the soil particles, so nutrients and water can spread throughout the soil. We recommend our durable tempered carbon steel 4 Prong Digging Fork (for domestic use). Also, try scattering a compost to add nutrients back into the soil.

5. The early bird catches the worm

Water your garden in the coolest part of the day to avoid your plants drying up or getting mildew. With our Water Timer hosepipe attachment, you can set a time for your plants to be watered and still catch that extra few minutes of sleep in the morning.