Summer is the perfect time to spruce up the garden, and it is always a great feeling to watch your garden flourish. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, there are some tips that everyone should keep in mind to ensure their garden is looking its best this summer. From handling extreme temperatures to fertilizing and pruning, understanding the basics of summer gardening will help you get the most out of your garden this season. Read on to discover some of the top gardening tips for summer.
Watering your plants
The key to healthy plants is consistent watering. A great way to ensure your plants are getting enough water is to check the soil with your finger. If the soil is dry 2 inches below the surface, water the plant. There are also a variety of soil moisture sensors that will let you know when it is time to water. If you have older plants that wilted due to too much water, you can revive them by letting them dry out a bit before watering them again. If a drought is expected in your area, you may want to water more frequently, even if the soil is moist. Plants will survive a drought if they are established, but they will be stressed and more susceptible to pests, diseases, and wilting.
Fertilizing your garden
Fertilizer is an important part of growing healthy plants. The type of fertilizer you use will depend on what type of plants you are growing. For example, plants that are growing in containers will need a different fertilizer than plants grown in the ground. Plants that are mature and have already flowered will also have different fertilizer requirements than younger plants. If you are unsure what type of fertilizer to use, garden centers usually have recommendations based on the types of plants you have. You can also scan the plants with an app like Garden Genie or a website like All Things Plants to identify the type of plants in your garden and the fertilizer they would benefit from.
Maintaining soil health
Healthy soil is the foundation for healthy plants, so it is important to take good care of it. One of the best ways to maintain healthy soil is by adding compost. Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment that is beneficial for all plants. Another way to maintain soil health is to avoid using too much fertilizer, especially at the beginning of the growing season when plants are still young and need nutrients from the soil to grow. Another important soil health tip is to avoid overwatering. This can cause soil to become waterlogged, which can result in poor drainage and poor soil health.
Pruning techniques
There are a few different pruning techniques to keep in mind when pruning your garden. First, you’ll want to prune any flowers or vegetables that have completed their growing cycle. You can also prune off any dead or dying foliage to keep your garden healthy. For fruit-bearing plants, you’ll want to prune any branches that are touching each other or other plants. This will help the plant focus its energy on ripening the remaining fruit. You can also prune to make the plant more compact or to open up space in between plants. This is particularly useful for plants that are growing too tall or are taking up too much room in your garden.
Handling extreme temperatures
Extreme temperatures can be harmful to plants. If the day temperatures in your area are expected to hit above 90 degrees, it may be best to cover or move your plants to a shadier or cooler part of your garden. Extreme temperatures can also impact soil moisture, so you may want to water your garden more frequently if the temperatures are extremely hot and dry. If temperatures are expected to be below 32 degrees, you can protect plants by covering them with a blanket or row cover fabric. You can also bring plants indoors during these times.
Dealing with pests
If pests show up in your garden, there are a few different ways you can handle them. One way is to hand-squash any bugs you find. This is especially helpful when dealing with smaller pests like aphids and whiteflies. Another option is to use a pesticide. It is important to read the instructions carefully when using pesticides and only use them as a last resort. Finally, you can attract natural predators like ladybugs and birds that feed on pests. You can also plant plants that will repel pests, like lavender and mint.
Controlling weeds
Weed control is important to maintaining a healthy garden. The best time to weed is when the ground is moist. You can also use a garden weeding tool to lift the weeds out of the ground. If weeds have already popped up in your garden, there are a few options for controlling them. You can hoe the weeds, which will break the roots so they don’t grow back. You can also use an herbicide like glyphosate to kill the weeds. If weeds have taken over your garden, it is best to pull them out before they start flowering and spreading their seeds. Once weeds have grown in, they are much more difficult to remove.
Utilizing mulch
Mulch is a great way to protect your plants and soil from extreme temperatures, as well as weeds. There are many different types of mulch, each with its own benefits. Choosing the best type of mulch for your garden will depend on the type of plants you have and the look you are trying to achieve. Another important thing to keep in mind when using mulch is how thick you are applying it. You want to make sure your plants are getting plenty of sunlight while keeping the weeds at bay. You can apply mulch around plants to help retain moisture and keep weeds away. Using mulch can also help retain heat in the soil, which is especially helpful if your ground freezes during the winter.
Planting in containers
If you have limited space or have water or soil issues, planting in containers is a great option. When choosing pots, you want to make sure they have holes in the bottom to allow excess water and nutrients to drip out. You also want to make sure the pot has enough room for your plant to grow. When planting in containers, you will want to fertilize and water your plants more frequently since they don’t have as much room to grow. Containers also dry out more quickly than the soil in your garden and will need more frequent watering. It is important to choose plants that are suitable for containers. Tall, sprawling plants are better suited for the ground. Short plants with wide, round leaves, like petunias and impatiens, are great for containers.
Adding additional plants and features
If you have extra space in your garden, you can always add new plants or decorative items to spruce up your garden. You can also add features like benches, trellises, or pathways to make your garden more user-friendly. When designing your garden, keep your growing conditions in mind. Plants with similar growing conditions grow best together. You also want to make sure you have enough space for everything. When planting new plants or decorative items, make sure they are the right type of plant for your growing conditions. Choose plants that will look great in your garden and enjoy the season.