Memorial Day weekend rolls around, and let’s be honest: the grill’s calling, and the backyard’s begging for a little love. Instead of just lounging around this year, why not kickstart a summer garden project you’ll be proud to show off by the Fourth of July?
There’s no need for backbreaking work or overworking a tractor. With a few DIY tricks, you can build something bright and blooming by the weekend.
Kickstart Your Summer Garden Projects This Memorial Day Weekend
With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and dive into a summer garden project. These simple garden projects work just as well in backyards as they do on small patios, and they come together fast.
Let’s get started and make this summer your best gardening season yet!
Build a Raised Bed in One Afternoon
If you can handle a screwdriver, you can build a raised bed for every sunny patch you find. It is hands-down one of the fastest ways to start a summer garden project that looks good and grows even better.
Here’s how to raise your garden beds:
- Grab four untreated wooden boards (2x12s work fine) and some galvanized screws.
- Build yourself a simple rectangle frame measuring 4 feet by 8 feet.
- Pick a sunny spot and plop the rectangle down. If you’re feeling fancy, line the bottom with landscape fabric.
- Fill the frame up with a mix of compost, peat moss, and topsoil.
Bonus tip: Keep your garden beds close to your water source. Dragging a heavy hose every day gets old faster than overcooked ribs at a barbecue.
By Sunday afternoon, you could have peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers ready to settle in!
Create a Moveable Container Garden
Got more patio than pasture? No problem. Containers turn porches, balconies, and even stoops into lush little food factories. Container gardening is a perfect summer garden project for those with limited space.
Here’s what you need:
- Pots with good drainage (plastic, terracotta, old buckets with holes, you name it)
- Lightweight potting mix (not heavy garden soil)
- A few friendly plants like herbs, salad greens, or compact veggies
Easy combos to try:
- Herbs: Basil, thyme, and oregano buddy up well because they have similar water and light needs. Even better, they also thrive in the same type of soil.
- Salad bar: Arugula, spinach, and romaine make great neighbors as they are all cool-season crops. They grow well together in containers without competing for too much sunlight.
- Mini veggie patch: Cherry tomatoes and dwarf peppers love the pot life because they grow compactly, needing minimal space but still offering a healthy harvest.
Just make sure you pick spots with six to eight hours of sun. Water your plants every time the top inch of soil feels dry. Containers heat up and dry out quicker than in-ground beds, especially when the summer sun gets spicy.
The University of Illinois Extension has a good container gardening guide if you want extra reading over your lemonade break.
Add Fast Color with Easy-Bloom Flowers
Want something showy to make the neighbors peek over the fence? Plant some fast-blooming flowers! You’ll have color popping before your second batch of sweet tea chills.
Best bets for fast colors:
- Marigolds : Marigolds are tough as nails and happy anywhere because they tolerate heat and drought, making them perfect for the long summer months. Their bright blooms also help repel pests, which are a bonus in any garden.
- Zinnias : Zinnias bloom quickly and keep going all summer. They’re heat-tolerant , meaning you get consistent color throughout the season without worrying about constant care.
- Petunias : Petunias are great for pots, beds, and hanging baskets because they love full sun and spread out beautifully. They also come in a wide variety of colors, so you can match them with any garden theme.
Nothing says “summer started right” like a front yard that looks like a mini botanical garden.
Your Summer Garden Project Is Closer Than You Think
By Monday night, you could have a raised bed bursting with greens, a patio lined with herbs, and flowerpots brightening the driveway.
You don’t need fancy tools or a farming degree to start your garden project. You just need a free weekend, a little elbow grease, and a cold drink waiting for you when the planting is done.
Which summer garden project are you itching to start first? Raised beds? Patio pots? Flower power? Tell us your Memorial Day gardening plans and send pictures if you feel proud!
FAQ
Q: What is the best wood for raised beds?
A: Untreated cedar and redwood last longest outdoors. Untreated pine works as a budget option if properly sealed.
Q: How deep should a raised bed be?
A: Ten to twelve inches suits most veggies. Go sixteen inches if you want deep-rooted crops like carrots.
Q: Can I garden with only a patio?
A: Absolutely! Use big containers, pick sunny spots, and water often. You’ll grow plenty without touching the ground.
Q: How often should I water containers?
A: Check daily! In hot weather, potted plants dry out fast. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
