Summer has a way of changing how we use our homes. We spend more time outside, invite friends over and look for any excuse to light the braai. But before the first guest arrives, it helps to give your home and garden a little attention.
The good news is that getting summer ready does not have to mean taking on a huge renovation. A few practical jobs can make your space more comfortable, useful and ready for the warmer days ahead.
Start with the pool
If you have a pool, now is the time to check that the water is clean and balanced. Pool care comes down to three basic steps: testing the water, treating any problems and removing leaves or dirt.
Pay attention to alkalinity, pH and chlorine levels. The amount of chlorine your pool needs may also change during very hot weather or after a busy day of swimming.
Not sure what your pool needs? Take a fresh water sample to Builders for an in-store pool water analysis. Remember to know the size and type of your pool, as well as whether it uses chlorine or salt water. The test can help identify an imbalance and point you towards a suitable treatment.
That means less guessing and more time enjoying the water.
Give your plants a summer check-up
Hot days can be tough on plants, especially those growing in containers. Soil in pots dries out faster than soil in garden beds, so container plants may need more regular watering and feeding.
Make sure each container can drain properly. You can place broken tiles or stones at the bottom before adding potting soil. Water thoroughly after planting and monitor the soil daily during the first week. This will help you work out how often each plant needs water.
If your pots sit in a sunny spot, remember that smaller and narrower containers can heat up quickly around the roots. Larger, wider pots may be a more practical option for very hot areas.
Make the patio work for you
Think about how you want to use your outdoor area. Is it a quiet coffee spot, a family lunch space or the place where everyone gathers during a braai?
Start with comfortable seating and leave enough room for side tables or footstools. Add cushions for colour and consider lanterns, solar lights or strings of outdoor lights for evenings.
Plants can also bring life to the area. Group pots of different sizes together, but try to place plants with similar watering and feeding needs in the same container. If you enjoy cooking, add herbs such as basil, parsley, rosemary or oreganum. They look good and can be picked when you need them.
Sort out your braai zone
No South African summer setup feels quite complete without a braai-ready corner.
Check your grid, tongs and gas before everyone arrives. If you use gas, keeping one full bottle and one in use can help you avoid an awkward interruption halfway through cooking.
Think about what happens around the braai too. A cooler box can help keep food and drinks cold, while sturdy folding chairs give the cook somewhere to sit between turns. Add an LED lantern near the cooking area and outdoor lights around the patio so the gathering can continue after sunset.
Take it one project at a time
You do not need to finish everything in one weekend. Begin with the jobs that will make the biggest difference to how you use your space.
Whether you are cleaning the pool, helping your plants handle the heat or making the patio more welcoming, Builders can help you find practical solutions for the job. Make a list, choose a starting point and get your home ready for summer, one manageable project at a time.
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