There's a point in the year, when my enthusiasm for all things growing begins to wane. It's usually around the last week of August.

 

Gone is the buzzing excitement of Spring & Summer and I'm left feeling a little lethargic. I start to garden on autopilot.

 

It's called 'Summer burnout' and I know I'm not the only one to experience it.

 

After many years in the growing business, I've learnt that it doesn't take a lot to bring me out of the funk. 

Here's a few tips I find helpful:

1. Team Up

Find a friend and offer to help in their garden in exchange for help with yours. You'll find you get jobs done in less than half the time as well as a big morale boost! This goes for all gardening jobs but also for processing and preserving your harvests. 

2. Don't be afraid to Mow It Down

Cutting, strimming and mowing things down is very cathartic. If things have got out of hand, I give you permission to mow it down! There's plenty of time to get fresh crops in, or sow a green manure before the soil cools.

3. Take a Break

Put down your tools and take some time to enjoy being in your garden. Years of experience have taught me that your garden will NEVER be finished. It will NEVER be perfect. So take the time to enjoy it just as it is - however weedy it is.

4. Sow some Seeds

Bring back that fresh, Spring feeling by sowing some seeds. There's lots you can sow over the next couple of months. For flowers, you can sow hardy annuals, and for vegetables you can sow loads of different winter greens.

Happy Growing!

Ellen