As temperatures rise and the sun beats down, summer can be a challenging time for gardeners.
While gardens thrive on warmth and sunlight, extreme heat can stress plants, dry out soil and leave once-lush greenery looking parched and wilted. Keeping a few simple strategies in mind, you can retain a healthy and vibrant garden throughout the hottest months of the year. New gardeners, especially, pay close attention.
One of the most critical steps in summer garden care is proper watering. During these very hot days, shallow watering evaporates quickly, leaving roots thirsty. Instead, water early in the morning or late in the evening, when temperatures are lower. This reduces evaporation and allows water to reach deeper into the soil. A deep soak once or twice a week is better than frequent, shallow watering.
Mulching is one of the most effective ways to keep your garden cool and retain soil moisture. Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch — such as straw, wood chips or compost — around your plants. If you are like me and have live oaks that shed, use the leaves for mulch. Oak leaves are my mulch material of choice, and they not only conserve water, but also suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. Another benefit of leaving the leaves is that over winter, many butterflies, moths and bees will lay eggs in them.
Just as people seek shade on hot days, so do plants. Consider providing temporary shade for sensitive or newly planted flowers and vegetables. Using a colorful garden umbrella is an easy way to do this, plus it adds pizazz to your garden. Potted plants can be moved to shadier spots if need be.
Summer heat can weaken plants, making them more susceptible to pests and disease. Check your plants regularly for signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves, wilting or insect damage. Remove affected parts promptly and consider natural pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
These ultra-hot days can make it harder for plants to absorb nutrients, so avoid heavy fertilization during heatwaves. Instead, opt for slow-release organic fertilizers, which provide gentle nourishment without stressing roots.