Summer Tips

Looking to beat the heat with your garden this summer? Check out these great tips.

• Continuing to maintain your soil is important. Amend as necessary.
• It’s best to water only in the early morning. With water, less is more!  Strive to give your plants the water they need to thrive, but to also deny the transmission of pests and pathogens that use water droplets and upspray as a means of transportation to your plants.
• Trim back and remove spent flowers as this will encourage new growth. Deadheading flowering plants encourages continuous blooming all season.
• Apply slow release of fertilizers or liquid fertilizers according to the recommended application methods. Once again, less is more.  Over fertilization can burn plants or encourage gangly growth.
• Monitor your plants for signs of pests or diseases. Use organic pest control methods.  Remove diseased plants to control spread to other healthy plants.  Keep litter and debris at a minimum because fallen leaves will harbor molds and other pathogens.
• Tall plants such as tomatoes and some flowers will need to be staked or given a trellis, depending upon the needs of the individual cultivar.
• Regular harvest of vegetable crops enhances continuous production in the plant.
• With heatwaves being so prevalent, prepare to provide some shade cloth to sensitive plants. Consider planting heat and drought tolerant plants such as marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, and herbs.