Perk Up Your Patio for Added Kerb Appeal

You shouldn’t underestimate the power of kerb appeal, and it’s not too late to spruce up your patio in time to entice a summer buyer.

There’s no doubt that you’ve got to move now if you want flowering plants in pots by summer, but leaving it late can have its advantages, not least that you can find bedding bargains at garden centres at this time of year. Choose wisely and you will have pots of colour all through July and August. Your blooms could even last into September if looked after well.

Dahlias, lilies and other late-summer bloomers can take summer containers into autumn, but there are things to look out for if buying and potting now.

Avoid Pot-Bound Annuals

Steer clear of plants with lots of roots coming out of the pot’s bottom. This indicates that they have been in the pot for too long and may be difficult to remove.

Ensure Good Drainage

Use pieces of broken pot to line your pots so that plants don’t sit in water. Another alternative is to use polystyrene that comes with the plants when you buy them. Then fill your pot with a good compost until it’s about three-quarters full and add water-retaining crystals.

Structure a Display

Pot a taller main plant first and surround it with trailers. Use the tall plant to build a framework for your display. You could use something like a miniature conifer in the centre and surround it with trailing lobelia, verbena and bacopa. Upright geraniums are another main plant option, as are osteospermums, spiky cordylines and cannas for a tropical feel.

Feed the Plants

Add a granular feed to your compost, and this should keep it nourished through the summer and beyond. This means you won’t have to use liquid feed at regular intervals. Many composts will also contain plant food and water-retaining elements.

Water Well

Newly potted plants need to be watered in well, and in dry weather you should be watering once a day and sometimes twice if it’s a particularly dry spell. Avoid evaporation by watering at dusk or early in the morning, and remember that smaller pots will have less water-retaining compost and so will need watering more often. To minimise the time spent watering, use the biggest pots you can.

If you then want to make the most of your newly created kerb appeal, make sure you have enlisted the assistance of the Keywest experts to help you sell your home quickly and for the best possible price. Call us today at our office at Hinckley Road 01162 544 555, or Queens Road 01162 544 543.