Spring bedding plants, like pansies, violas and primroses, can look a little lacklustre once we reach the summer months.
As cool-season bloomers, they thrive in milder temperatures and won't survive harsher temperatures. As a rule, spring bedding plants really struggle once temperatures consistently push past 21°C.
However, while heat stress may make these flowers look destined for the green bin, they're often just entering a dormant stage, and some can be salvaged – or even used to feed the rest of your garden.
"When it comes to spent bedding plants, the key thing I always tell people is don’t just pull them up and throw them in the bin," Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys, tells Country Living.
"Even when they’ve finished flowering, there’s still plenty of value left in them, whether that’s for your garden soil, your compost heap, or even next season."
We asked Luke to share his top advice for what to do with spring bedding plants in the summer months.
Start by cleaning with care
"Once your bedding plants have passed their best, gently lift them out rather than yanking them straight up", Luke explains. "This helps you keep as much of the soil intact as possible and makes it easier to separate anything you might want to reuse.
"I'll usually give them a quick once-over at this point to check for any signs of disease. If anything looks suspicious, it’s best to keep that out of your compost to avoid spreading problems later on."
Compost what you can
Healthy, spent bedding plants are perfect for composting, Luke explains. "I like to break them up slightly so they decompose a bit faster.
"They're a great source of 'green' material, so if you've got a compost heap, mix them in with 'brown' materials like cardboard or dry leaves to keep everything balanced. It’s one of the simplest ways to turn this season’s displays into next season's soil."
Don't forget about the soil
As with any gardening task, soil quality should always be considered.
"If your bedding plants were in pots or containers, the compost they were growing in can often be reused, just not straight away for the same kind of display," Luke explains.
"I tend to refresh it by removing old roots and mixing it with some fresh compost or a slow-release fertiliser. It's then ideal for less demanding plants or as a base for future planting."
Save what's worth saving
"Not all bedding plants are strictly one-season wonders," Luke explains. "Some, like geraniums or begonias, can be overwintered if you’ve got the right space.
"Before you discard everything, it's worth checking if anything can be cut back and kept somewhere frost-free. It's a small effort that can save you money and give you a head start next year."
Use them to feed your garden
A sustainable hack is to use the plants as a light mulch to help the rest of your garden flourish. "Another really simple tip I often use is chopping up soft, healthy plant material and laying it directly onto beds as a light mulch," Luke explains.
"It will break down naturally over time, helping to improve the soil and retain moisture. Just keep it fairly thin and always avoid anything diseased."
Plan ahead for your next display
As always, planning is key. "Clearing spent bedding plants is the perfect moment to think about what comes next," says Luke.
"Whether you’re replanting straight away for autumn colour or giving the space a break, it’s an opportunity to refresh your soil and rethink your scheme.
"In my experience, a bit of care at this stage goes a long way. Instead of seeing spent bedding plants as waste, think of them as a resource, one that can keep your garden healthier, more sustainable and ready for whatever you plant next."
Summer in the garden edit
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