Bringing your rental garden to life: The easy guide to Spring & Summer maintenance
As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, there is nothing quite like having your own outdoor space to unwind in. Whether you have a sprawling green lawn, a cosy paved courtyard, or a balcony with room for a few pots, a little bit of plant care goes a long way.
As your letting agent, we want you to enjoy your home to the fullest, and that includes the garden! Keeping on top of your outdoor space doesn’t just make it a beautiful place to relax, it also ensures you stay aligned with your tenancy agreement regarding property maintenance.
Here is our simple guide to keeping your rental garden blooming and manageable this spring and summer.
1. Start with the basics: Weeding & Mowing:
The secret to an easy-to-manage garden is regular, light maintenance. Letting things grow into a jungle makes the job ten times harder later on.
- Keep on top of lawns: Aim to mow the lawn once or twice a week during peak growing season (spring and summer). Adjust your mower to a slightly higher setting during particularly hot, dry spells to keep the grass from scorching.
- Tackle weeds early: Pull weeds out by the root as soon as you see them popping up in flowerbeds or between patio slabs. Doing this for just 10 minutes a week saves hours of hacking away later.
2. Brighten things up with rental-friendly flowers:
If your rental garden is a bit of a blank canvas, you don't need to plant permanent shrubs to make it feel like home. Container gardening is a tenant’s best friend because you can take your plants with you if you ever move!
Great Options for Pots and Containers:
- Petunias & Geraniums: Incredibly hardy, love the sun, and provide vibrant colour all summer long.
- Marigolds: Easy to grow from seed and great for keeping pests away naturally.
- Begonias: Perfect if your garden or balcony gets a bit more shade than sun.
Top Tip: Want a quick, budget-friendly pop of colour? Look for 'bedding plants' at your local garden centre. They are inexpensive, already blooming, and ready to drop straight into your pots.
3. The golden rules of watering:
Summer heat can take a toll on plants quickly, especially those in pots.
- Timing is everything: Water your plants in the early morning or late evening. Watering during the midday sun causes the water to evaporate before the plants can drink it, and can actually scorch the leaves.
- Check the soil: Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Pots and hanging baskets may need watering every day during a heatwave.
4. Keep it tidy and safe:
A well-maintained garden is a safe garden. Here are a few quick checks to keep in mind:
- Prune overhanging paths: Keep walkways clear of stray branches or overgrown bushes so nobody trips.
- Watch the gutters: If you notice any low-hanging gutters filling up with leaves, let us know so we can look into this further.
- Patios and decking: Give them a quick sweep regularly to prevent moss and algae from building up, which can become incredibly slippery when it rains.
As a general rule of thumb for tenants, your responsibility is general day-to-day upkeep. This includes mowing the lawn, watering plants, weeding, and keeping the space tidy.
Happy Gardening! You don't need a green thumb to create a lovely outdoor sanctuary. A little bit of water, a quick mow, and a few colourful pots can completely transform your space for the summer.
Got any questions about your garden or need to report a maintenance issue? Feel free to reach out to our team at any time!