Your garden has made it through spring planting season and is likely bursting with color, blooms, and fresh growth. But as temperatures rise and summer settles in, your plants need a little extra attention to stay healthy and looking their best. The good news? A few simple maintenance tasks can keep your garden thriving through the hottest weeks of the year.
Use this mid-summer checklist to keep your landscape, containers, and vegetable gardens in top shape.
1. Water Deeply and Consistently
Summer heat can quickly dry out soil, especially in containers and raised beds. Rather than watering lightly every day, aim to water deeply a few times each week. Deep watering encourages stronger root systems and helps plants become more drought tolerant.
Tips:
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Water early in the morning whenever possible.
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Focus water at the base of plants rather than on foliage.
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Check containers daily during hot weather, as they may require more frequent watering.
2. Refresh Mulch
Mulch is one of the best tools for conserving moisture and regulating soil temperature. If your mulch layer has thinned out, replenish it with an additional inch or two.
Benefits of mulch include:
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Reduced water evaporation
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Fewer weeds
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Cooler soil temperatures
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Improved soil health
3. Deadhead Spent Blooms
Removing faded flowers encourages many annuals and perennials to continue blooming throughout the season. Regular deadheading also keeps plants looking neat and colorful.
Pay special attention to:
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Petunias
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Geraniums
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Zinnias
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Coneflowers
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Coreopsis
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Shasta Daisies
Just a few minutes each week can result in weeks of additional blooms.
4. Fertilize for Continued Growth
By mid-summer, many annuals, hanging baskets, and container gardens have used much of the nutrients available in their soil.
Continue feeding:
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Containers and hanging baskets every 1-2 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer.
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Landscape beds as needed according to plant requirements.
Healthy plants are better equipped to handle summer heat and continue producing flowers.
5. Pull Weeds Before They Take Over
Weeds compete with your plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Summer weeds can grow quickly, especially after rain.
A few minutes spent weeding each week prevents larger problems later and keeps garden beds looking tidy.
6. Watch for Pests and Diseases
Warm temperatures and humidity can create ideal conditions for insects and plant diseases.
Inspect plants regularly for:
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Japanese beetles
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Aphids
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Spider mites
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Powdery mildew
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Leaf spots
Early detection is the key to preventing major damage. If you're unsure what you're seeing, bring a photo or sample to the greenhouse and we'll help identify the issue.
7. Harvest Vegetables Frequently
Vegetable plants produce more when harvested regularly. Don't let vegetables become oversized on the plant.
Keep an eye on:
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Tomatoes
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Cucumbers
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Zucchini
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Peppers
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Beans
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Herbs
Regular harvesting encourages continued production and ensures the best flavor.
8. Trim Back Leggy Growth
Some annuals and perennials can become stretched or tired-looking by midsummer. A light trim can encourage fresh growth and a fuller appearance.
Plants that often benefit include:
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Petunias
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Calibrachoa
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Verbena
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Salvia
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Catmint
Don't be afraid to give these plants a haircut—they'll often reward you with a fresh flush of blooms.
9. Support Tall Plants
Summer storms and heavy blooms can cause taller plants to flop.
Check stakes, cages, and supports around:
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Tomatoes
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Dahlias
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Delphiniums
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Sunflowers
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Tall perennials
Adding support now can prevent broken stems later.
10. Plan Ahead for Late Summer and Fall Color
Believe it or not, now is the perfect time to start thinking about extending color into fall. Consider adding:
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Late-blooming perennials
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Ornamental grasses
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Sedum
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Rudbeckia
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Asters
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Fall annuals when they become available
A little planning now will keep your landscape beautiful well into autumn.
Enjoy the Rewards of Your Hard Work
Summer gardens are meant to be enjoyed. By spending a little time each week on maintenance, you'll be rewarded with healthier plants, more flowers, and a productive vegetable garden all season long.
Need help with fertilizers, pest solutions, or choosing plants for late-season color? Stop by Goers Greenhouse. We're always happy to help you keep your garden looking its best through every season.