We all have grand dreams for our garden, but how much can you achieve in just 60 minutes? From pruning hedges to planting seeds, there are many tasks which can be done in no time at all.
Successful gardening is all about being clever with your time and energy, knowing what to do when. To help you know where to start, Calum Maddock, gardening expert at HomeHow.co.uk, has shared exactly what you can do in just 60 minutes. Take a look at his advice below...
1. Prune hedges (up to 1 hour)
Strapped for time? An essential gardening skill, pruning is vital to prevent dead and dying branches harming nearby plants and people. Depending on the size of your hedges, pruning takes around one hour for regular trims.
This will of course differ for everyone, especially if you have more hedges. Calum adds: "For deciduous hedges, formative pruning should take place in winter after planting and for the first two years thereafter. For evergreen hedges, formative pruning should take place in the spring and the first two years after planting.
"Every summer you should spend an hour or so giving all hedges maintenance pruning. When undertaking any work, check that there are no birds nesting, the season is usually considered to run from March to August."
2. Sowing seeds (30 minutes)
Whether it's tomatoes or pretty flowers, sowing seeds in pots or containers is one of the easiest things you can do. In fact, once you know how, it can take up to just 30 minutes. To sow yours, all you need is a pot, compost, water, small spade and seeds of your choice.
Not sure how to plant them? "Potatoes, peas and strawberries are easy to start with if you don't have experience. A large area isn't a necessity, crop such as radishes will grow strong in containers," adds Calum. Take a look at what you can do below...
1. Fill your pots with general compost and follow the instructions on the packet for the best way to sow seeds (they are usually spread thinly).
2. Cover with more compost and add some water.
3. Most flowers and vegetables need a warm, sheltered area that attracts sun, as this keeps the compost moist.
3. Watering (20 minutes)
Watering plants and flowers takes no time at all, especially if you have a small garden or balcony. Before giving your plants a top up, use your finger to check if the soil is moist, watery or dry — this will determine how much it needs.
"Plants depend on even moisture, keeping consistent with your timings will promote root growth. As a rule of thumb, water cooled soil in the evening as opposed to in the day when less water will evaporate," says Calum. "Understand these key points by keeping a watering schedule, this will encourage longevity into the lifespan of plants."
4. Clean your patio (40 minutes)
Spruce up your patio by giving it a good clean. Whether yours needs a declutter or a power wash, split the workload into sections to maximise your time. Once you've moved everything aside, brush any debris with a thin bristle brush. Then, mix together a soapy water solution and give it a scrub. If your patio is packed with weeds, ensure you remove this to get the space looking as good as new.
5. Remove tired-looking plants (40 minutes)
"Depending on your garden size, removing old plants can take up to 40 minutes," Calum adds. "If you have old shrubs or flower plants that need reviving, don’t be afraid to remove them. Old-looking plants can have a negative impact on the entire look of your garden.
"Weed killers will help you eliminate as many unwanted plants as you have, ensure you read the labels to see which product will work best for you. Avoid ripping the plants out of the ground as you will deprive your soil microbes of a good meal and reduce your long-term soil fertility."
32 of the best garden furniture sets
Europa Leisure Trabella Roma Dining Set
This reasonably-priced set looks smart and modern. Thanks to the polypropylene material, it's easy to wipe clean – and the chairs are stackable.
Charles Taylor Wooden Conversation Set
We're looking forward to sunny days relaxing with family outside. This FSC-certified wooden garden furniture set will make a lovely addition to your space. There's even a table for your glass of Pimms.
Homebase Bambrick Garden Dining Set
This square dining set would look lovely tucked in a corner, or would make a good option if your patio area is on the small side.
Homebase Misali 6 Seater Garden Dining Set
Rule of six gathering, anyone?
Gablemere Rochester Hardwood Grey Sofa Set
How chic is this? International travel is still off the cards for now, but sitting on this glamorous sofa set in your garden might be the next best thing.
EMU Arc En Ciel Steel Bistro Set
A classic little bistro set, perfect for popping on your balcony for al fresco breakfasts in the sun.
Made Lyra Garden Hanging Chair
We can just see ourselves curled up in this chair reading a book.
Made Yuri Garden Bench
Made has a range of bright and beautiful garden furniture this season – we love the contrasting greens and pinks of this modern bench.
Made Topa Garden Corner Lounge Unit
Your patio is about to get a serious upgrade. There's plenty of space for the whole family here – plus ample room for everyone's drinks too.
Made Swara Garden Dining Set
Rattan furniture looks great, but the real deal isn't especially well suited to the great outdoors. This polyrattan option is a great alternative, so you don't have to compromise on the look you want.
Montenegro Outdoor 4-Piece Dining Set
This set wouldn't look out of place in your living room so, if you like a indoor/outdoor living feel, this would be a great choice.
Hectare Kennet Reclining Dining Set
Along with four (reclining) chairs and a table, this set also comes with a parasol, making it great value for money.
Rowlinson Garden Picnic Table
On a budget? You don't need to scrimp on space. Here's a classic picnic table, with plenty of room to sit around for Saturday barbecues.
Marks & Spencer Set of 2 Lois Garden Armchairs
Cheer up dreary outside spaces with this cheery set of chairs. There's plenty of matching furniture (in a selection of colours) in this range, so feel free to mix-and-match.
Marks & Spencer Capri Garden Sofa
This sofa is the perfect combination of rustic charm and modern styling.
Charles Bentley Extrusion Bar Dining Set
Create a real outdoor bar feel in your garden with this tall dining set. Now you just need an outdoor drinks cart and you're all set.
Charles Bentley Folding Metal Bistro Set
Here's another sweet bistro set – we love the pale green hue.
Time for sunbathing, anyone?
Dawsons Living Faux Rattan Bistro Set
Another great one for those who enjoy the rattan look.
Outsunny Outdoor Indoor Sectional Corner Sofa Set
This sofa set can be used indoors and outdoors, so it's a good one to deck out your conservatory with, we think.
Anthropologie Vallarta Indoor/Outdoor Stool
Need something to brighten up your drab patio? Anthropologie is well known for its beautiful decorative designs and this gorgeous indoor/outdoor stool is no exception.
HomeimprovementGB Bamboo Garden Table Sett
Here's another garden furniture set that will help you recreate the feeling of being at a bar on a far-flung beach. Be quick if you're interested in this, though, there's only one available.
Garden Trading always has such sophisticated furniture pieces – we especially love this roomy anthracite grey bench set for six. There's a two-seater version, as well.
Barker & Stonehouse Valencia garden suite
Remember having guests? Soon enough, we can have everyone piled around the table for summer barbecues. This huge, cosy set will ensure there's enough seating for everyone for your first big bash after lockdown.
Barker & Stonehouse Willow hanging chair
Another cosy hanging chair – this one is very bohemian.
Habitat Ipanema 2 Coffee Tables
A splash of yellow just makes any space a bit more inviting. This is a great price for two outdoor tables, too.
Habitat Trough 2 Seater Bistro Set
This bistro set has a trough at the end to keep your drinks cold while you relax. Very handy.
EuroPalletFurniture Pallet Sofa
Using pallets as furniture is an low cost, low environmental impact way to ensure there's plenty of seating in your garden. It looks striking, as well.
AlchemyVibesForYou 2 Person Macrame Hammock
We're pretty sure we can find our zen lying in this hammock – even during a global pandemic.
Perch & Parrow Karina Rattan Lounge Chair
For long evenings spent relaxing outside, you need a lounge chair. Paired with a bright, textured cushion, this natural rattan number would look great sitting on your decking or patio.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
