New-build gardens can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to know where to start when you have such a blank canvas, but this freedom means you have the chance to turn your garden into your perfect outdoor oasis. Check out our top tips for managing a new-build garden.
Get a Plan in Order
Planning is key when it comes to gardening. When it comes to new-build gardens this is even more important as they are often a very blank canvas for you to sculpt into the garden of your dreams.
Do you want a lawn? Do you want a seated area? Are you going to add a patio? These are all important questions to factor into the first steps. Even if you aren't going to implement it all immediately it's good to have a rough idea of the changes you want to make in the future to help make the transition much easier.
Get Prepared
If you are a first-time buyer, you may have to buy some tools to get going. Purchase a basic set of garden tools so you can keep on top of the simple tasks that need doing regularly. Most retailers now sell hand tools for very reasonable prices. Essential tools for basic gardening tasks include a pair of pruning scissors or secateurs, a rake and a watering can or garden hose. You may also want a trowel to get rid of weeds before they take over the garden. Get a garden shed to keep your tools and lawn mower in. Keep it tidy so it is easy to access and things don’t get lost. There’s nothing more infuriating spending time and effort looking for a tool when you want to get the jobs in the garden out of the way so you can relax.
If you do not want to spend too much time maintaining the garden you might want to consider, gravelling or paving parts of your garden. Keep the lawn a rectangular or square shape to make mowing easier. Laying Astroturf is a way of removing any lawn maintenance. All that is required is sweeping the leaves off the surface to keep the turf clean and green.
Sorting out the Soil
The condition of your soil is the foundation of your garden and is vital in helping make your garden perfect. New-build gardens often have very compact and sometimes poor-quality soil, but it is easily fixed!
Dig over any soil that is going to be used for plants and remove any rubble as you go. Digging helps to break up compaction and allows the plants to grow in better conditions. Adding garden compost is another great way to improve soil quality.
Healthy Lawn
A great lawn can make or break a garden and most of this is down to lawn care. Cutting your grass regularly ensures a healthy lawn – try cutting it once a week in the summer and once every two weeks the rest of the year. Regularly cutting grass promotes root growth which helps to fill out any gaps and prevent weeds from sprouting. The handy tool is easy to set up and helps you set an easy schedule to help with regular maintenance for your lawn.
Mulching is also vital to ensure your lawn stays in top condition. For those of us who don’t have much time on our hands, the EasiLife Go 200 robot lawn mower is perfect. This robot lawn mower also mulches your lawn automatically to fertilise the grass and keep your garden looking amazing.
Edging your Garden
Grass trimmers are the perfect addition to any garden toolset and help to create a neat and tidy finish to your garden. If you are adding flower beds or step effects these can be easily tidied up with a strimmer.
The Flymo 18V EasiTrim 250 is a great choice for those who are new to gardening. The battery-powered tool even has an easy-to-use edging mode to help create crisp lines around your garden.
Give it a Personal Touch
Purchase garden furniture to truly enjoy your garden. Get comfortable in the garden and be able to host barbecues and parties, check with neighbours first. Put your own personal touch on the lawn. Things as simple as fairy lights can brighten a garden up no end. Using solar-powered lights keeps your garden eco-friendly and don’t add to your electricity bill. If you want to attract wildlife to your garden, plant flowers which attract insects. Install a bird feeder and bird bath to attract birds. Both are inexpensive purchases. The most important thing is that you enjoy spending time in your garden!
