Is your small garden ready for summer?

Summer is just around the corner! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and it’s wonderful to be outside again. Don’t have a big yard? No problem. Even a balcony, rooftop terrace, or small city garden offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy greenery, scents, and colors. In this blog, you’ll discover how to get your small outdoor space “summer-ready,” with smart tips to help you enjoy it for as long as possible.

Gardening in a few square meters

A small space doesn't have to be a limitation. With a little creativity, you can transform your balcony or small garden into a green oasis.

Vertical gardening is the perfect solution when space is limited. Think of hanging pots, wall racks, or a pallet with herb plants. And climbing plants, of course! This way, you make the most of the vertical space and keep as much floor space free as possible.

What can you still plant at this time of year?

• Summer-blooming plants such as petunias, lobelia, and geraniums
• Herbs such as basil, mint, thyme, and parsley
• Fruits and vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, leaf lettuce, radishes, and strawberries

Water generously so your plants can take root properly. Do not plant during extreme heat.

Here's how to get your balcony or small garden ready for summer

1. Water your pots and planters every day
   Potted plants dry out quickly, especially on hot days. Water them in the morning or evening to prevent sunscald and evaporation.
2. Water more frequently during dry spells
   Even plants in the ground can use a little extra water during prolonged heat.
3. Remove spent flowers regularly
   By cutting off spent flowers, you encourage the plant to produce new ones. This way, it will keep blooming.
4. Use liquid plant fertilizer
   Summer-blooming potted plants are heavy feeders. Give them some liquid fertilizer every week to keep them growing and blooming.
5. Provide support in a timely manner for plants that need it
   Consider taller perennials and summer-blooming plants. A simple stake or trellis will prevent them from falling over or snapping. Tie up climbing plants regularly.
6. Plant annuals to add color to your garden
   There are many annuals that continue to bloom endlessly (until the first frost). Annuals such as French geraniums, petunias, verbenas, and lobelias add color to your garden.
7. HDo you have a sunny garden? Plant some fragrant herbs!
   Fragrant herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, and lavender love plenty of sun. They fill your garden with a wonderful scent, especially along paths, on the patio, or near your back door.
8. Create shaded areas
   Some plants cannot tolerate bright midday sun. Use a parasol, shade cloth, or climbing plants to provide some shade.
9. Do you have a shaded garden? Foliage plants add character!
   With foliage plants such as ferns, hostas, purple bellflower, Brunnera, Carex, and Fatsia, you can create a beautiful border. If you’d like, you can also add flowering plants, such as fuchsia, begonia, or astilbe.
10. Create a mini pond for refreshment and tranquility
    A mini pond is easy to create in a (concrete) tub, half a wine barrel, or a zinc basin. Add a few aquatic plants and, if you like, a mini fountain to enjoy the soothing sound of water in your garden. Less suitable for a balcony due to its weight.
11. Create a cozy atmosphere and a sense of relaxation
    Add colorful pots, hang some mood lighting, and create a cozy seating area with cushions or a small table where you can set out a refreshing drink. Even in just a few square meters, you can relax to your heart’s content!