Get your garden ready for the summer with our top tips and best buys

One of the great pleasures of summer is getting your outdoor space spick and span! While we are all spending more time at home, now is the time to release those green fingers and creative side!Check out our easy ways to spruce up your garden or patio, and you will soon be enjoying lazy lunches and balmy evenings…<h2>Plant one there</h2>Plants make the colourful, scented backdrop to your outdoor space, so keep yours looking their healthiest. Potting up in <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/fertilisers-plant-food/baby-bio-houseplant-compost/910002965926" target="_blank">a multi-purpose compost</a> provides them with nutrients to get started. A layer of organic soil improver or well-rotted garden compost on flower beds will feed plants over the next few months, too.Love the outdoors but don&rsquo;t have the room for proper flower beds? Bring your patio to life with different sized pots, all grouped together. Try putting a dwarf fruit or bay tree in the centre, or just go for blooms in a rainbow of colours. Highlight the shades in your flowers and plants by giving fences, sheds or trellises <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/outdoor-paint-varnish/george-home-garden-colour-sail-away/910001941516?cmpid=otc-good-_-ghs-_-?6832-_-designer-garden-makeover-_-section" target="_blank">a lick of colourful paint to provide a backdrop</a>.<img alt="outdoor_furniture__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/outdoor_furniture__square_GL?scl=1"><h2>Hang around</h2>Liven up bare garden walls with baskets of vibrant flowers, or ring the changes by planting <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/flower-vegetable-seeds/unwins-strawberry-florain-seeds/1000032885139" target="_blank">strawberries</a>, trailing tomatoes, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/flower-vegetable-seeds/unwins-herb-collection-seeds/910000508018" target="_blank">mixed herbs</a> or even edible blooms. Hanging baskets and containers are notoriously thirsty, though, so add water-retaining granules to the compost mix. <img alt="outdoor_furniture2__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/outdoor_furniture2__square_GL?scl=1"> <h2>Light fantastic</h2>The easiest way to create a twinkling entertaining space in the evening is by using <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/shelf/outdoor-lighting/outdoor-solar-lights/_/3334082863" target="_blank">solar-powered lights</a> - ideal if your garden is a sun trap. Position them in the parts of your garden that get the brightest sunshine during the day to give them the best charge possible. Keep the look classic with <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/outdoor-solar-lights/george-home-solar-round-crackle-top-light/910002788910" target="_blank">simple white stick lights</a>, or add fun and colour with cute <a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/outdoor-lighting/decorative-garden-lighting/domestic-birds-solar-powered-lights-3-pack/050811852,default,pd.html?cgid=D33M08G01C03">animal-themed</a> lights, or <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/shelf/outdoor-lighting/outdoor-string-lights/_/418224919" target="_blank">our selection of solar-powered string lights</a>.<img alt="outdoor_furniture3__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/outdoor_furniture3__square_GL?scl=1">  <h2>Take a seat</h2>Keeping your garden furniture looking shiny, year-in year-out, is easy with the right materials.Poly-rattan furniture, like <a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/outdoor-garden/outdoor-living-catalogue/discovery-nerja-outdoor-living-range/SET4935,default,pd.html?cgid=D33M01G01C02">our stunning Nerja </a>set is easy to care for and extra robust when looked after properly. Use a stiff-bristled brush in between the threads to loosen any mud or moss. Then, pick up the debris using the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Finally, wipe over with soapy water and dry with a soft cloth. Done!For metal furniture, like our trendy <a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/outdoor-garden/bistro-sets/arizona-3-piece-garden-bistro-set/050572565,default,pd.html?cgid=D33M02G01C01">Arizona 3 Piece Garden Bistro Set</a>, wipe clean with a solution of washing-up liquid and water. It will be sparkling in no time and keep feeling fresh summer after summer!<img alt="outdoor_furniture6__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/outdoor_furniture6__square_GL?scl=1"> Once you&rsquo;ve cleaned up outdoor chairs and benches ready for summer, don&rsquo;t forget to update the soft furnishings too. Bright,<a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/home/cushions-throws/D26M01G01C05,default,sc.html" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/cushions/watermelon-print-outdoor-cushion/050364698,default,pd.html" target="_blank">cheerful cushions</a> create a welcoming look in an instant. <h2>Set the table</h2>For a welcoming dining setting that&rsquo;s safe from outdoor breakages, invest in some picnicware. <a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/outdoor-garden/outdoor-dining-picnicware/view-all/D33M07G01C01,default,sc.html" target="_blank">Bright, fun plates</a> and plastic ‘glasses&rsquo; are great for children.<img alt="89462915_578363436098549_7887508555822173643_n__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/89462915_578363436098549_7887508555822173643_n__square_GL?scl=1"> Prepping and pruning your outdoor space in time for summer? Make sure to pick up everything you need <a href="https://www.asda.com/" target="_blank">at Asda </a>or pop into your local store.

Glam up your garden with these simple top tips

By Asda Good Living,8th May 2018

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