Help Your Garden Survive Summer: Helpful Tips for Garden Enthusiasts
As the thermometer and temperatures warm up, anxiety about how your garden will survive the summer heat also rises. As people who love gardens as much as our customers, we are here to help, with a few tips that will help you keep your garden in tip top condition in the warmest conditions.
Timing is Everything: Planting at the Right Time
One of the most elementary tips we can offer is telling people to use a planting guide meant for your area, which is always based on your geographical weather patterns. Planting at the right time will help you establish your plants before the main summer heat arrives, which means your plants will tolerate hot summer weather better than those not established early.
Microclimates: Take Notice of Them
Both the sunny and shady areas of your yard should be carefully observed and noticed, especially during the hotter months. By being familiar with the areas that will be affected the most by the hot late-afternoon sun, the sun’s angle changes, etc, you will keep your plants more healthy.
Water your garden correctly to help it survive the summer
Watering issues cause many problems, such as plants not growing enough, too much, or at the wrong frequency. Automated systems can help, or even a simple battery-powered timer connected to a garden hose. Early morning is the time to water, during the cooler hours as this reduces water loss from evaporation and heat.
Mulch, mulch, mulch to help your garden survive summer
Add 3-5 inches of organic mulch for benefits including:
-Moisture retention
-Keeping the soil cool
-Detering weeds
-Adding organic matter to the soil as it decomposes
Provide shade for your summer garden
Most plants benefit from afternoon shade during the hottest months of the year, so be sure to provide some.
Keep an eye on the wind
Hot, dry wind can take a toll on plants. Make sure your trees and shaded structures or trellises are adequately secured. Windy air also increases moisture loss in plants.