Gardening tips and how to save money for your kids

With summer now here and a heatwave on it’s way, we’ve put together some top gardening tips to get your outdoor space summer ready with our essentials on how to get your outdoor space in top-notch condition.

Get mowing & weeding!

Before revving up your lawnmower, the first of our gardening tips is to make sure your lawn is in ship-shape condition by removing any weeds. Weeding is a year-round activity, but spring and summer are the best times to get it under control. Then, get that lawnmower out and mow your lawn but do remember not to cut it too short to start with otherwise you run the risk of killing off the grass. Finally, you may want to edge your lawn to tidy off your borders. We have a large number of retailers that provide gardening tools and lawnmowers and you’ll earn up to 8% back for your kids.

Planting your borders

You can plant your garden with a colourful mix of flowers & climbers packed in together with herbs and edible plants. You can find an array of seeds or plants online nowadays to plant for this and next year’s crop. You can find a large selection of plant retailers at Gardening Direct and Jersey Plants Direct, you’ll earn 6.5% back too.

Eating al fresco

One of our favourite things about the summer is being able to dine outside. Getting the right BBQ is a major decision because cooking outside is far easier with the right equipment. There’s some incredible BBQs and pizza ovens out there and at a variety of prices. John Lewis & Partners, B&Q and Argos all have great ranges.

Outside seating and accessories

You’d be surprised at how many different styles of outside seating there is available (you could even upgrade to a gazebo too, you can never trust the UK weather), from huge rattan sofa and table sets to smaller benches – you’ll be able to find something to work with the outdoor space you have available. We also recommend considering lighting to give your garden some ambiance. We love the look of festoon lights if you have a fence or wall to attach them to. Check out Argos and YouGarden where you’ll earn up to 8% back.

Get the kids involved!

With the kids at home, now is a perfect time to get them garden engaged and involved. Get them to help with the weeding, edging and planting. It’s the ideal opportunity for some home schooling and to teach them about plants and nature.

Why not get them on a garden safari to discover what insects, flowers and birds are in your garden? Or, you could keep a nature diary or do a garden A-Z to chart your finds. Most importantly though…have fun!

The power of family saving

Whilst we’re talking about saving for your children we had to tell you about our app Beanstalk. It’s our unique, no minimum Junior ISA (and ISA), we’ve made saving easy and accessible for all. With a range of tools at your fingertips including KidStart, rounding up your purchases and the ability to invite family to contribute too. Capital at risk.