How to get your garden BBQ ready for summer

Gardening experts are sharing their tips on how to get the garden BBQ and entertaining ready this summer.

The green fingered experts at GardeningExpess.co.uk have put together their advice for getting outdoor spaces spruced up for guests to enjoy as the weather warms up.

Even for the most reluctant gardener, giving the outside space a spruce up before summer is a must to make the most of the warm weather.

Experts suggest revamping garden furniture, filling planters with colourful bedding plants, setting up a shady spot and getting some evening lighting.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “With the weather slowly beginning to warm up, it’s time to spruce up the garden and get the barbecue out.

“If you are looking to have people over you’ll want your garden to look in good shape so we’ve put together a few of the things you may want to do to give it a refresh.

“Tidying up your furniture with cushions and doing small paint touch ups really make all the difference in how your garden can look.

“And of course it’s important to clean the actual barbecue, especially as you may not have used it for a good while. I’d advise giving it a really good scrub with a brush that has wire bristles to remove any leftover grease or oil that may have built up

How to get your garden barbecue ready:

1. Touch up the paint 

Touching up any paint that may have chipped or is marked on items like fences, decking and the shed can make an instant difference to your garden. Clean them down first and then get the paintbrush out.

2. Clean the barbecue

The most important aspect of a barbecue is the barbecue itself so put some elbow grease into it to give it a good clean. Use a grill brush with some wire bristles to ensure you can clean the barbecue grill rack thoroughly.

3. Keep the lawn trimmed

The key to a tidy looking garden is having a neat lawn and it will instantly make your garden look more put together. After mowing, treat your lawn with some liquid lawn feed to promote strong healthy growth. Remember to edge to give it the perfect finish.

4. Spruce up your garden furniture

You don’t need to buy new garden furniture for it to look nice. Simply add bright cushions and soft throws to give existing furniture a new look. If your furniture is wooden, a coating of teak oil will make a difference too.

5. Planters

For instant splashes of colour, buy some bedding plants and create lovely planters full of colour and interest. These look great on decks, patios and even by the front door to welcome your guests.

6. Set up a shady spot

It’s important to remember not everyone wants to be in direct sunlight and your guests may want to sit somewhere to cool off if it gets too warm. That’s why it’s worth having some seating set up in a shady spot. It could simply be a gazebo set up on the lawn – decorate with lights to give it a unique look – or a cosy area under the shade of trees or bushes.

7. Think about lighting

Although it stays lighter for longer in the spring and summer you may want to think about getting some soft lighting to give your garden a warm glow as the sun goes down. LED or solar powered garden lights tend to be the most inexpensive option.

8. Garden tidy up

Give the paths, your deck or patio a sweep before you have guests round. You’ll be surprised at the difference it can make. If you have time, rake up any leaves or debris on the garden and dig out any weeds.

9. Consider weatherproof garden rugs

Weatherproof garden rugs are a good and affordable option if you have old or damaged paving and decking that you haven’t got around to sorting out. It’ll hide those bits that need some TLC.