I'm a homes and gardens expert — here are 12 backyard bargains I'd pick up in the Walmart early Labor Day sale

Summer is reaching its end, and it might not feel like the logical time to go shopping for backyard upgrades.

But you'd be wrong — retailers are getting rid of their outdoor products to make space to the new season, which means it's actually the perfect opportunity to snap up some patio and backyard products for cheap.

As a former Homes editor, I know what makes a good backyard buy.

I've picked through the Walmart sales page to find the best outdoor deals on the products I'd snap up as an investment for next summer.

You'll find my top picks below.

I've included affordable and useful plant pots, as well as larger planters that are ideal for kicking off new growing projects.

I've also found a couple of outstanding robot lawn mower deals (both on models we've tested and scored extremely highly — head to our Anthbot Genie 3000 review and Mammotion Luba 3 AWD review for proof).

There are also bargain grills, and patio decor to instantly brighten up an outdoor space.

Scroll down for these and more backyard bargains to set you up for next summer.

Backyard bargains ANTHBOT Genie 3000 Cordless Robotic Lawn Mower My Texas House Nora Outdoor Area Rug, 7ft 10in X 10ft Foukus Set of 5 Self-Watering Plant Pots With Drainage Evjurcn 6-Pack Metal Railing Planter Zimtown Charcoal Outdoor Barbecue Pit Smoker MAMMOTION Luba 3 AWD 3000h Robot Lawn Mower BUYMAX 5 Inch Blue Drip Glaze Ceramic Planters CLOUDDWELL 4 Burner Gas Propane Grill Best Choice Products 34x18x30in Raised Garden Bed w/ Liner Best Choice Products 7.5ft Heavy-Duty Outdoor Patio Umbrella Best Choice Products 8x2x2ft Metal Raised Garden Bed Safavieh Indoor/outdoor Area Rug, 5'3" X 7'7"