I’ve been self-employed and working from home since 2013. And what’s one of the best things about working from home?

Nope, it’s not the usual flexibility around the kids or the lack of a commute that people always mention.

One of the best parts, especially in the spring and summer months, is being able to work from my garden.

Yep, I’ve managed to set up an outdoor space in my garden where I can successfully work during the warmer months. This has been a huge bonus compared to being stuck inside a stuffy office all day. In fact, two of the offices I worked in previously were completely internal, with no windows at all.

Being able to step outside, feel the fresh air, and still get on with a normal working day genuinely feels like a luxury by comparison.

You might be wondering how on earth you’re meant to see your laptop screen outside, especially when the sun’s out. It’s something that needs to be overcome if you want working from home in the garden to actually work. Otherwise, you’ll last ten minutes, get frustrated, and end up back indoors missing the nice weather.

So here’s how I’ve made it work, including exactly how I deal with screen glare on sunny days.

Make sure you are seated comfortably

Sitting on the grass with a laptop for hours just isn’t realistic, so having a proper seating setup makes all the difference.

I can happily work for four to eight hours at a time when I’m outdoors, so comfort really matters. Over the years, I’ve found that raising my laptop slightly is key to avoiding back and shoulder strain.

My go-to setup is sitting on luxury rattan furniture, with my legs extended and supported on a stool. I use a large cushion on my lap to hold and raise my laptop at the same time. It’s comfortable, relaxed, and supportive enough for longer work sessions.

If you prefer to work more upright for concentration, a solid garden chair and table can work just as well. A picnic bench is another option if you don’t need back support. To keep your office space healthy outdoors, an ergonomic seat cushion and a laptop stand with a separate keyboard can help you avoid constantly looking down at the screen.

Once you’ve sorted seating, visibility becomes the next big hurdle.

Ensure you have shade from the sun

On overcast days, working outside is easy. Even fairly average laptop screens are readable without much effort.

When the sun’s shining, though, glare becomes the main issue. No matter how good your laptop is, direct sunlight can make it surprisingly difficult to see the screen, even with the brightness turned right up.

The simplest solution is shade. If you’re working at a table, a parasol or garden umbrella can be enough to make a big difference.

We’ve taken it a step further and installed two roofed verandas in our garden. One has a black corrugated roof that automatically provides shade. The other has a clear roof, with a removable sun shade underneath that can be hooked on when needed. Being able to adjust the shade depending on the weather makes working from the garden far more reliable.

You might not be sunbathing while you work, but you’ll still be outdoors in warm summer air, and you’ll actually be able to see what you’re doing.

It’s also worth mentioning screen brightness itself. If you regularly work from the garden, buying a laptop with a bright screen really does help. Some screens are simply much easier to use outdoors than others. Brightness alone won’t fix glare in full sun, but combined with decent shade, it makes working outside far more comfortable.

Another simple trick is a wide-brimmed hat. Sometimes just shading your own face is enough to improve visibility. Sunglasses, on the other hand, tend to make the screen too dark and can cause eye strain.

Some people suggest trying an anti-glare screen. I haven’t personally needed one, as shade has been enough for me so far, but it’s an option if your setup is more exposed.

Working from home outside, what actually makes it realistic

Working from home outside works best when you’re honest about the practical side of things.

WiFi range matters. I need to stay fairly close to the house to keep a reliable signal. Power matters too. My current laptop battery isn’t great, so I need to be able to plug it in - having an outdoor plug socket installed near the house and your seating area is a great idea to improve your garden work setup.

It also helps to be realistic about the kind of work that suits an outdoor setup. Writing, admin, emails, planning, and routine tasks all work well outside. That’s one reason working from home blogging fits so naturally with working from the garden.

Calmer, task-based work can suit this environment too. For some people, home packaging remote roles can slot neatly into a garden-based workday, especially when the work doesn’t involve constant calls or meetings.

Garden offices and garden rooms, a halfway option

Working directly from the garden isn’t for everyone, and that’s completely fine.

We also have a garden office in our garden, and it offers a really good middle ground. You still feel close to nature and the garden, but you’re protected from the elements and the small distractions that come with being fully outdoors.

A garden office or garden room is ideal on days when the weather is unpredictable, or when you need a bit more structure to stay focused. It gives you separation from the house while still feeling calmer and more open than working indoors.

If working outside only suits you some of the time, this can be a great alternative.

More tips to successfully work from your garden

• Think about your positioning as you may need to be near the house. I need to work close to the house to ensure I get a good WiFi signal, and because my current laptop battery is deteriorating and I need to plug my laptop in.

• If you join meetings, need to talk to people, or watch videos, then a headset is a great investment. This helps block out surrounding noise from any nearby roads and neighbours so you can hear clearly.

• Keep a blanket throw nearby on spring days or early autumn days. It can feel warm in the sun, but it quickly turns chilly when clouds roll in.

• Protect your skin too. Don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun and harmful UV rays with these summer skincare tips.

If you’re thinking about working from your garden this summer, these points can help you decide what setup will work best for you:

• Comfortable seating that supports longer work sessions

• Reliable shade so you can see your screen clearly

• A bright laptop screen if you plan to work outside regularly

• Easy access to WiFi and power

• A garden office option if working fully outdoors doesn’t suit you

Final thoughts on being able to work from your garden if you work from home

Working from your own garden really is a pleasure during the summer months. It’s far nicer to be outdoors in fresh air than cooped up inside all day.

If you work from home and have outdoor space available, it’s well worth experimenting to see what works for you. With a few simple adjustments, working from the garden can become one of the most enjoyable parts of working from home.