As the weather gets warmer, so comes the season for hosting outdoor events and gathering families and friends together. So if you're planning on organising a party any time soon, be sure to get your garden and patio ready!
Preparing your outdoor space early in the season helps reduce the tasks you need to do when summer arrives. You can then make the most out of your time when planning: theme, activities, (guest list!) and of course, the food!
To help you prepare your garden ready - here are six tips on those essential tasks - don't forget any!
1. Clean up
First things first: a well-kept outdoor space is essential for any garden party. Begin your cleanup a week before planning to take the pressure off!
Reach for the hose and use it to clean every part of your outdoor space, like patios and decking. Try using a wire-bristle brush for hard-to-remove dirt. This technique will help remove any dirt and grime that has built up through lack of use, making your outdoor space look as though you have completely revamped it!
Aside from the patio, you should also make sure your windows are clean as well as any other glass accents in your property. Create a simple cleaning solution by mixing a cup of white vinegar and half a teaspoon of liquid dish soap with a bucket of water. Then, use a sponge or soft cloth to wipe down all your windows and rinse afterwards.
The last thing you need in preparing to prepare your patio for a BBQ is to give your garden furniture a clean. You can combine a teaspoon of biodegradable dish-washing detergent and a tablespoon of borax, mixed with 1 quarter of warm water. With a soft sponge, use this mixture to gently wipe down the surfaces of your furniture. Rinse everything with fresh water when done.
2. Prepare Your BBQ
If you already have a grill, pizza oven or BBQ table set at home, you will need to clean it and check its condition. Scrub its grates, remove all the gunk at the bottom, and wipe grime from the burners. You should also check if there are any propane leaks from a gas BBQ.
For a step-by-step guide, check out our post on how to clean a BBQ.
£589.00
More about the Rattan Corner Sofa Set with Dining Table... When you spend money on outdoor furniture, it makes sense to invest in pieces that offer the complete package so you can start enjoying the space right away. This Rattan Corner… read moreRattan Corner Sofa Set with Dining Table
£685.00
3. Think about your tables and chairs
BBQ parties are meant to gather everyone outside to enjoy a beautiful day while bonding over some good food. This means that you have to make sure your patio furniture is ready for the event.
Aside from cleaning furniture, as mentioned earlier, you can apply a little love to some pieces that may have been damaged. You can also give them a fresh lick of paint if you have wooden furniture that is looking worn.
If you think you need more seating, you can add some rattan chairs into your garden furniture sets to accommodate more guests and prepare the patio for a BBQ. If you are looking to buy a new set, on the other hand, our selection of garden furniture offers sturdy and weather-proof designs you can choose from.
Petrol Grass Trimmer/Brushcutter (43cc)
£79.00
£94.00
More about the Petrol Grass Trimmer/Brushcutter (43cc)... This Trueshopping petrol strimmer features a 43cc engine - perfect for DIY gardeners and professional landscapers alike. Includes: 43cc Petrol Brush Cutter Base Unit, trimmer shaft, nylon cutter head, heavy-duty three-pronged metal cutting blade,… read more
4. Cut Your Lawn
Aside from looking like a mess, kids will run and play on the grass so you will need to keep your lawn tidy. Mowing it regularly is a simple way to make it look green and luscious when the party rolls around.
In summer, make sure to do it at least two days before the event, and remember to clean up afterwards so your guests won't be walking around in grass clippings.
You can also water your lawn prior to the gathering to make it look fresh and green. However, never do it the day before as no one wants to walk around wet grass.
£129.00
More about the 3-Tiered Wooden Cascade Planter... If traditionally shaped garden planters aren’t what you are looking for, this Tiered Cascade Wooden Planter offers an attractive alternative. It features three different-sized tiers to make for a standout garden feature in… read more3-Tiered Wooden Cascade Planter
5. Add some flowers
If you want to brighten up your space to prepare a patio for a BBQ, place some colourful hanging baskets around the seating area. Potted flowers and other plants can also make your space look fresh. Position them around the lawn to add a pop of colour to your outdoor area.
Some of the best summer flowers you can plant are alliums, oriental lilies, begonias, and freesias. You can also check out our list of fast-growing flowers for a blooming garden.
6. Tidy up your shrubs
To achieve a completely neat outdoor space and prepare your patio for BBQ, you’ll need to cut back any hedges or shrubs which may be hanging into the wrong space or area. You should also pick out any weeds that are visible in the garden. To avoid accidents and other problems, remove any unneeded obstacles around your outdoor space as well.
Begin preparing your outdoor space early for the BBQ season and make the most out of every friends’ and family get-together this summer!
And if you're still on the lookout for the best grill, make sure to check out our collection of high-quality sets - just click here.