Each passing season affects your garden in different ways. Summer is no different! This time of the year can be an especially difficult time for your garden plants. The heat and humidity, longer daylight, and decreased rainfall are all potentially harmful effects of summer.
If you are new to gardening or want to develop a green thumb, stay tuned! In this article, we will give some tips and tricks to help you figure out how to best take care of your garden in the summer.
#1. Add Mulch
Hopefully this isn’t your garden’s first layer of mulch this year. However, if it is, don’t worry too much. You have the opportunity to redeem yourself! Mulch is important to replenish. Ideally, you want to have a 2-inch cover at all times. Including potted plants!
Mulch serves the vital purpose of fending off the negative effects of summertime. It shields the roots of your precious plants from the harsh rays of the sun. It also keeps the ground underneath a cooler temperature, the way roots like it! Finally, mulch prevents evaporation.
In terms of what kind of mulch is the best, there is no right answer. That is a good thing, because anything organic can be considered mulch. This includes excess grass clippings, leftover fall leaves, and shredded wood. The latter is sold at garden centers.
#2. Deadhead Like there is No Tomorrow
When deciding what or what not to cut, show no mercy. At least, that’s what garden experts say! It can actually be good for your flowers to be cut back. Even and especially at the height of their beauty! So go ahead and cut the freshest roses for your vase.
Take no prisoners when deadheading. There is no need to save every last flower. In fact, cutting annual plants helps them grow fuller as well as produce more flowers. It’s in your best interest that flowering plants want to produce as many seeds as possible! Take advantage!
#3. Keep Weeds Under Control
A big part of how to care of garden plants in summer is weed control. As much as we would like to be able to apply one coat and be done the whole year, that isn’t how things work. As gardeners, it is our responsibility to keep our plants environment free of weeds.
Unfortunately, this time of year sets the stage for fast development. One day the unwanted plant is tiny, and the next it is fully grown! The best time to pull them is when they are small, before they have had a chance to flower. Moistening the soil beforehand will help them come out.
#4. Water Early in the Day
To prevent mildew, it is best to water your garden plants early in the day. If the sun goes down and the leaves haven’t dried out, they could develop a fungus. A wet plant also has a greater chance of being infested by bugs. Cucumber, rose, and pumpkins are extra vulnerable.
Another important reason to water early in the day is to prevent sun scorch. When the sun hits the wet leaves, there is a chance they can get scorched. This applies more to some plants than others. For example, succulents and cacti should never be watered in the heat of the day.
#5. Properly Dispose of Diseased Plants
If you have plants that are affected by disease, don’t panic. As long as annuals are less than 50% covered they can be saved! If your greenery is covered, it is time to say goodbye. Do not throw the diseased corpse in the compost bin. Instead bury it or toss it on a brush pile.
The way to get rid of mildew is by using organic fungicides. There are a few types available, so choose one that uses copper or sulfur as a base. These fungicides will 100% cause leaf burn, so apply them at night.
#6. Fertilize Your Garden
We think the very best way to fertilize your garden is through watering. That means you need to know what your plants need to thrive. Usually, you can get this information by searching the name of your flora online. Some plants like roses and citrus need different nutrients.
#7. Replace Spring Plants
One way to love your garden in the summertime is by replacing your spring plants. These older plants begin to fade once the weather gets warmer, and you owe it to your garden to switch them out. Many times the annuals that like heat are the same annuals that are colorful.
#8. Plant Bulbs that Bloom in the Summer
There are quite a few beautiful flowers that can only be grown by bulbs. These are usually much more expensive than seeds, and should be taken special care of. Once the temperature begins rising, you will have colorful additions for the rest of the season!
#9. Keep an Eye out for Insects
Like people, some insects are good and some insects are bad. Your garden needs some insects to flourish while other insects will take it to an early grave. Here is a list of some of the worst offenders to watch out for:
- Grasshoppers
- Tomato Hornworms
- Japanese Beetles
- Black Spot
#10. Water Often Enough
Most plants need about an inch of water each week during the summer. However, this varies depending on your climate and the individual needs of your plants. It is best to do all of your watering at the same time and directly on the soil. Wet leaves don’t help your flora.
#11. Landscaping Around the Home
This section is not about how to care of garden plants in summer. It’s about how to protect your house from said greenery. In certain cases, having organic matter near the base of your home can do damage. In these cases, it is best to begin your landscaping a few inches away.
If you live in a mobile home, you should pay special attention to this. The landscaping around your skirting can really affect the health of the underbelly of your shelter. The moisture can also cause insects and wood-boring beasts to find their way inside.
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