Summer gardening: hot tips and projects for cool backyards

If you’ve ever tried keeping a garden blooming through an Aussie summer, you know it’s a tough task…one that can leave both you and your plants a little wilted!

The key to successful, fruitful summer gardening is thinking ahead: protecting your precious plantlings, being water smart, and designing spaces that can handle a bit of intense weather. 

Do it with Jack and it’s not all hard yakka. With the right products and a few clever tricks, you can have a garden that stays green, blooming and easy on resources – and you – all summer long!

Summer here isn’t just warm: it can be extreme! The heat creates heaps of challenges for our gardens and green thumbs…

• Relentless sun – Aussie UV can scorch leaves, bleach flowers and make soil feel like concrete. Plants need protection from both heat and sunburn, or you’ll be replacing them faster than neighbours can smell a summer barbie!
• Thirsty soil – Water evaporates fast in the heat, so relying on a quick morning sprinkle that sits on the soil surface won’t cut it. Smart irrigation, mulch and water-wise planting are essential to keep roots hydrated and happy. 
• Plant stress – Even hardy species can struggle if they’re exposed to too much sun, wind or dry soil. Without the right layout and care, you’ll spend the season constantly replacing fried plants.
• Water restrictions – Summer taps can turn off when you least expect it. Without endless H₂O, even the thirstiest plants feel the heat.
• Bushfire risk – The warm climates of summer can bring dry, hot conditions that make our gardens more vulnerable to fiery embers and flames. Planning and awareness help your backyard stay safe while still looking stunning.  
• Extra garden pressure – Summer gardening here can feel like a full-time gig if you don’t plan ahead. Hoses, watering cans and trips to Bunnings quickly become a drag, not a joy, unless you design your space to work smarter.
• Wild weather swings – One week of scorching heat can be followed by a storm that swooshes in and flattens your plants, washes away mulch, or eats into your soil. Plan smart, and your garden will shrug off whatever summer throws at it.

Not sure where to start with summer-proofing your yard? We’ve broken it into simple, bite-sized weekend projects you can tackle one at a time.

Healthy, happy plants are easier to care for, last longer and look better. So put protecting them from the scorching sun, stem-whipping wind and summer rain at the top of your to-do list. 

Start by scanning your outdoor spaces to identify any areas that are vulnerable or overly exposed to summer heat or other elements – then see which of these would be the best fix:

Quick weekend wins: 

• Stick in some trellis or stakes – Anchor tall or delicate plants using garden trellis, plant trainers or garden stakes, so they stay vertical on gusty summer days. Popping a few in the ground can save stems from snapping for minimal effort. We’ve got some great trellis in our range – whatever your aesthetic – from fun to modern or classic!
• Add shades, covers and netting – Growing vegies, seedlings or baby plantlings? Check out our Plant Protection range. Our lightweight covers and tunnels can shield them from harsh rays, rain, wind and pesky pests in summer gardens. They’re quick to set up and easy to move and create the perfect little microclimate for your plants to thrive. 
• Create a screen shelter – Whether you want to protect a potted display or growing zone, Jack garden screens are an awesome way to shade plants from both sun and wind. Bonus: they also add some style, definition and privacy to your spaces! Nosey neighbours, be gone!
• Install temporary fences for relief – Jack wire fencing won’t block everything, but it softens harsh sun and gusty winds, creating a gentler microclimate for your plants. Place it along exposed edges or around young seedlings to help stop stress or windburn.

Handy Jack tip!

Use plant ties to keep stems vertical, supported and growing the right way – whether on a trellis or stake. Loop them loosely so plants can sway a little without getting strangled.

Explore the range:

Plant Growing and Protection

Garden and Privacy Screens

See also: Jack’s no-fuss guide to container gardening for newbies

You’re not the only one craving a cool drink on a hot summer’s day. Your garden does too! Keeping plants and soil moist is a must, but you don’t want to waste water.

Not only is using lots of H₂O wasteful for the planet, but it pushes the water bill up – and might get you into trouble if there are restrictions in place. But don’t worry; Jack’s got some smart solutions for that!

Quick weekend wins: 

• Add garden edging – Take your pick of our Jack Garden Edging and install it around beds, lawns and along pathways to keep mulch and soil in place. Doing this helps water soak in where it’s needed rather than running off and going to waste. 
• Build raised beds – Not only do raised beds look great, but like garden edging, they stop runoff, making sprinkling your plants and veggie patch goodies more water smart. Our Jack Raised Beds come in a range of shapes and sizes and are quick and simple to set up. The less effort, the better when the heat’s turned up, right?  
• Set up smart irrigation – Pop in a drip system or soaker hose and let water go straight to the roots – effort-free. Plants stay happy, water doesn’t get wasted, and you get to stay out of the blazing heat – win-win.
• Top up mulch – You don’t need a Jack product for this one, just a quick trip to Bunnings! A fresh layer of mulch keeps soil cool, helps it retain moisture, and makes your watering efforts go further. Your plants will love you for it!
• Catch the rain – Grab a rain barrel or a few clever catchments and put every drop to good use. Free watering from the sky? Now that’s a smart Jack move!

Handy Jack watering tips!

• Stick your finger in the dirt. If it feels dry a few centimetres down, it’s time to give your plants a drink. No calendar needed, just trust your green thumb!
• Water your plants when the sun’s lying low. Early morning or late arvo keeps every drop where it’s needed.
• Group plants by how thirsty they are. Keep the water-guzzlers together and the drought-tolerant ones separate. That way, everyone gets the right amount without wasting a drop or drowning your hardy mates.
• Use self-watering containers on your deck and balcony. Our Jack Self-Water Raised Planter has a built-in tray that keeps plants hydrated without constant attention – plus it’s UV-protected!  Or try our Garden Up Mix ‘n’ Match range, also designed to be water smart and fuss-free.

Aussie summers can turn even the nicest backyard into a roasting oven. Blazing sun, reflective surfaces, and zero shade can make your garden feel more like a sauna than a chill-out spot!

The trick? Give yourself a breather with a few clever projects using our screens and trellis.

Quick weekend wins: 

• Screen up your entertaining area – Jack Garden and Privacy Screens can create instant shade for your deck or patio. Keep the sun off your furniture and your guests cool, while still letting breezes flow through. Choose our sustainable and stylish Matrix range or opt for our classic Screen Up. 
• Trellis the pool surrounds – Stop those stark walls around your pool from reflecting the rays and give swimmers a shady retreat by installing some large Jack Garden Trellis panels. Grow climbers like jasmine, bougainvillea, or passionfruit to create leafy privacy screens, reduce heat splashback further and add a burst of summer colour and fragrance.
• Create micro-shaded corners – Use Jack screens or fences to carve out a cool nook in a sun-baked corner of your backyard, balcony or porch. Perfect for a reading chair, a hammock or a small table and chairs for morning coffee or evening sips. 

Explore the range: Garden and Privacy Screens

See also:

Transform your backyard with Matrix Décor Screens

Garden trellis inspo for a stand-up backyard, balcony, deck!

Q: What’s the best time of day to water in summer?

A: In summer’s warm weather, early morning or late arvo is best. Water before the sun peaks or after it dips, so roots get a drink without the heat stealing it!

Q: How much shade is too much for tomatoes, roses or herbs?

A: These growers need at least 4–6 hours of sun daily. Too much shade equals slow growth and fewer blooms, so aim for some sun with a short afternoon cool-down spot.

Q: Should I switch to raised beds mid-season?

A: You can, but give your warm-season plants time to adjust. Move carefully, water well and don’t disturb roots too much.

Q: Do screens overheat spaces?

A: Not if you choose the right type. Jack screens block harsh sun but let air flow – creating breezy shade rather than a backyard sauna.

Q: How can I make my backyard more fire-safe in summer?

A: Clear dry leaves, twigs and other debris from gutters, around plants and near sheds and other structures. Jack Gutter Guards help stop debris build-up, so water flows freely and fire risk is lower.

Q: Which supports, ties and clips should I replace after spring?

A: Give all your plant supports a once-over. Look for cracks, fraying or signs of wear that have appeared over spring’s growing season. Swap out anything dodgy so your plants don’t collapse when storms roll in or the sun turns up the heat.

Q: How do I get trellis spacing and plant matches right?

A: Pick a trellis that fits your plant’s size and growth style. And give each enough elbow room for airflow to help stop wilting, mildew and overcrowding. Your climbers will grow happier, and you’ll spend less time untangling a jungle later.

Q: When should I use netting or guards?

A: Set up when planting seedlings, fruit or delicate plants in early summer. Protect from sun, wind or critters, and adjust as plants grow. It’s an easy weekend win.

Q: How do I fix heat scorch, wilting, or wind burn?

A: Plant health can really be affected at this time of year. Here are some quick fixes for these common issues:

• Heat scorch – Shift plants to partial shade or pop up a screen to protect them from hot days. Give leaves a light mist and watch them perk up.
• Wilting –  Stick a finger in your garden soil. If it’s dry, water deeply; if soggy, sort the drainage. Simple fixes for happy plants.
• Wind burn –  Add a temporary trellis, Jack screen, or fencing to buffer gusts. Quick tweaks like these save stressed plants.

The secret to a happy summer garden? Work with our wild Aussie climate, not against it. Protect your plants, carve out shady spots for hot weather and plan smart watering – and you’ll have a garden that stays green, productive and keeps summer chill and stress-free!

Ready to tackle a summer project this weekend? Head to your local Jack supplier to pick up your products. We’re stocked at Bunnings – just check for availability at your local store!

Is your garden space looking cool and summer-ready? Why not share some snaps on socials, tagging @meetdiyjack? We’d love to see projects you’ve been digging into and might even give you a shout-out! 

After more info and inspo? Check out these other helpful resources:

5 helpful tips for a happy summer garden 

Landscaping and garden design