In this episode, Dan and Julia share tips for keeping your garden in top condition while you take a well-deserved summer break. Your hosts advise on preparing lawns, vegetable plots, containers, greenhouses, and houseplants before your holiday. Dan chooses his favourite tools for trimming hedges and cutting back early-flowering perennials, and, inspired by Wimbledon, Julia shares a money-saving trick for propagating new strawberry plants.

Dan & Julia's Pre-Holiday Checklist:

1. Check your home weather forecast before departure and plan accordingly.
2. Water everything thoroughly, especially container plants, camellias, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and houseplants.
3. Install a drip irrigation system or seeper hose - use a timer to save water and hassle.
4. Cut and edge lawns - but not too short if hot weather is predicted.
5. Weed everywhere.
6. Guard against pest damage by laying traps, using nets and maintaining good ventilation.
7. Support tall and heavily laden plants with canes or stakes.
8. Pick open flowers, ripening fruit and vegetables - give them away or preserve them for later.
9. Move outdoor pots into the shade and houseplants out of the full sun
10. Top-up ponds and birdbaths and provide water for pollinating insects
11. Secure valuables in sheds or move them into a locked garage

And remember, if your garden looks a little shaggy when you return, it will be superficial and can quickly be fixed.

Dan's Product Picks:

• Niwaki Shears
• Niwaki Mini Shears
• Jakoti Hand Shears
• Grow Bag Trays for keeping houseplants moist while away.

Website links:

• Dan Cooper Garden
• Parker's Patch
• Produced by Scott Kennet at Red Lighthouse Local

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