Summer is a time for fun in the sun, vacations, and time spent with family and friends. It’s also a great time to work on your summer gardening!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, there are always things to do to improve your garden and keep it looking great. Here are five summer garden maintenance tips to help you get started.
Table of Contents
Weeding
Weeding is one of the most important summer gardening chores. Not only does it keep your garden looking neat and tidy, but it also helps to prevent unwanted plants from taking over.
There are a few different ways to approach weeding. You can either hand-weed, which is great for small gardens or use a trowel or hoe to remove larger weeds. For really tough weeds, you may need to use a weed whacker.
Whichever technique you select, you need to ensure to get rid of the weed’s roots, so it doesn’t regrow. If you’re not sure how to identify a weed, here’s a quick guide:
- Dandelions have long, tapering leaves that are smooth on the edges. They also have bright yellow flowers.
- Chickweed has small, oval-shaped leaves and white flowers.
- Crabgrass is a type of grass that has thick, coarse blades. It can be green or reddish in color.
- Thistles have sharp, prickly leaves and purple or pink flowers.
Once you’ve got the hang of weeding, it’s really not that bad! Just set aside some time each week to tackle the weeds in your garden and before you know it, they’ll be gone.
Watering
Watering in the summer can be a challenge, but with some tips, you can keep your plants healthy and hydrated. Here are some guidelines for summer watering:
- Water very early at dawn or later in the dusk. Don’t water in the heat of the day.
- Check your soil before watering. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
- Use a moisture meter to check the moisture level of your soil. This will help you prevent over or under-watering.
- Adjust your sprinklers so they don’t water the pavement or sidewalk. You want to make sure the water is getting to the roots of the plants.
- Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to water your plants. This type of watering is more efficient and can help reduce water waste.
- Check for leaks in your sprinkler system. A small leak can waste a lot of water, so it’s important to fix any leaks right away.
- Add mulch to your gardens. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, which means you won’t have to water as often.
This way, you can keep your plants healthy and hydrated all summer. Happy watering!
Fertilizing
When it comes to summer gardening, one of the most important things you can do is fertilize. Fertilizing not only helps your plants to grow and thrive, but it also helps to keep them healthy and free from pests and diseases.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when fertilizing your garden in the summer. First, make sure you choose a fertilizer that is specifically designed for summer use. There are many different types of fertilizers on the market, so be sure to read the labels carefully before making your purchase.
Secondly, be careful not to over-fertilize your plants. Too much fertilizer can actually damage your plants and make them more susceptible to pests and diseases. When in doubt, always err on the side of using less fertilizer rather than more.
Finally, be sure to water your plants regularly after fertilizing them. This will help the fertilizer to reach the roots of the plants and ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your garden healthy and vibrant all summer long!
Deadheading
If you want your flowers and plants to look their best during the summer, it’s important to deadhead them on a regular basis. Deadheading is simply the act of removing spent blooms from the plant. This not only helps to keep the plant looking tidy, but also encourages new growth and more blooms.
To deadhead flowers, start by snipping off any wilted or browned blossoms with sharp scissors. Cut the stem cleanly at an angle just below the bloom. Be sure to also remove any seed heads that have formed, as these can sap energy from the plant that could be used for new growth.
After deadheading, give your flowers a good drink of water and a bit of fertilizer to help encourage new growth. With a little care and attention, your flowers will look gorgeous all season long!
Insect Control
While summer is the time to enjoy your garden, it’s also the time when insects can become a problem for your plants. Here are some tips on how to keep an eye out for insects and prevent them from damaging your plants:
- Check your plants frequently for any insect damage. Look for chewing damage on leaves, as well as small holes in leaves or stems.
- If you see any insects on your plants, try to identify them so you can determine whether they’re harmful or not. You can use a field guide or look online to identify common garden pests.
- If you find harmful insects, there are a few different ways you can get rid of them. You can hand-pick them off your plants, use a garden hose to spray them off, or apply an insecticide.
- To prevent insects from coming back, it’s important to keep your garden clean and free of debris. Remove dead leaves and stems from your plants, and don’t let weeds grow in your garden.
- You can also take steps to attract beneficial insects to your garden, which will help keep the harmful ones at bay. Planting flowers that attract bees, for example, will help pollinate your plants and keep aphids away.
Now you can enjoy a summer garden free of insect pests!
In Summary
Summertime is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and work on your garden. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, there are always things to do to improve your garden and keep it looking great. Here are five summer gardening maintenance tips to help you get started. Do you have any tips or tricks? Let us know in the comments below!
