Summer is approaching, and it's the perfect time for flowers to bloom, and this can be both rewarding and challenging. While the warm temperature helps plants grow, it also brings dryness, heat, and potential stress to your garden. However, with the right approach, you can keep your plant healthy and thriving despite the scorching heat.Â
In this guide, we’ll share six essential summer gardening tips to help you maintain your garden throughout the summer.
1. Water Your Plants Wisely and Efficiently
Watering is one of the most crucial parts of your gardening routine. For summer, the intense heat can dry the soil thoroughly and quickly, leaving your plants vulnerable to wilting. Here’s how to optimize your watering routine;
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The timing is the key. Water your plants early in the morning and late evening to prevent rapid evaporation. If you water at midday, that can lead to water loss and potential scorching of leaves.
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Instead of frequent shallow watering, you can focus on deep watering to encourage strong root growth. These steps ensure that your plant can get adequate moisture even during dry spells.
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Try using mulch. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plant to retain moisture, regulate temperature, and decrease the need for frequent watering.
By using this strategy, you can help your garden stay healthy and hydrated throughout the summer.
2. Select Heat-Tolerant Plants
Selecting a plant that can withstand high temperatures will help in the summer and make your gardening much more manageable. Some plants can thrive naturally in warm conditions, requiring less water and maintenance, Consider adding these heat-resistant plants to your garden. Here are some of the best summer plants for the garden:
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Flowers like marigolds, sunflowers, and Zinnias can be excellent for vibrant summer blooms.
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Looking to grow vegetables? Choose peppers, tomatoes, and okra, which can perform well in heat.Â
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And herbs like thyme, basil, and rosemary are drought tolerant and thrive in warm weather.
By incorporating these heat-resistant plants, you can enjoy a relaxed, beautiful, and productive garden without worrying about excessive maintenance.
3. Protecting Plants from Extreme Sun
Protecting plants in summer is a big challenge for beginners. Excessive heat from the sun can cause heat stress and sunburn, and the steps to shield your plant from the harsh summer rays are:
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Provide a good shade using fabric shade cloth or strategically placing the taller plants to provide shades to the delicate crops and flowers.
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Pairing taller plants with shorter can help protect sensitive plants from the direct sunlight.
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By moving potted plants to the shaded areas during the peak sunlight in afternoon time to prevent from drying out.
4. Keep attention on Soil Health
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden, and specifically in summer, when soil condition changes promptly, it is necessary to maintain soil health:
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Adding organic matter can help improve soil structure, retain moisture, and provide essential nutrients.
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You can use a soil meter or simply feel the soil with your fingertips to ensure it's not too dry.
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If the soil becomes too hard due to heat, try to loosen it with a garden fork to improve water absorption and root growth.
Pro Tip: Add FirstBud’s Elixir to boost soil’s health to reach an optimum level.
By properly caring for your soil, you can provide your plant with the necessary nutrients and conditions to flourish throughout the season.
5. Be Mindful of the Pests
Pest infestations can be challenging to overcome. Keeping them under control is important for a thriving garden during the summers.
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Monitor the plants regularly for signs of pest infestations, such as yellowing, leaf holes, or sticky residues.
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Introduce beneficial insects like Ladybugs or natural solutions to your garden such as FirstBud’s NeemAura, which can effectively control pests.
Following these steps and staying proactive can easily prevent pest infestations and weeds from taking over your garden.
6. Add Manure Properly for Optimum Growth
Every plant species requires a consistent yet gradual nutrient supply to support growth and withstand stress. Since excess nutrient supply can lead to nutrient toxicity, manure is always a better alternative to fertilizers. Learn more about the key differences between manure and fertilizers.Â
Below enlisted are a few tips to add manure:
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Add manure over regular intervals (every couple of days) ensures a steady supply of nutrients without overdosing the plants.
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You can opt for organic options like compost tea, fish emulsion, and liquid seaweed, which can be excellent natural fertilizers that can help promote healthy plant growth.
Final Thoughts: Making The Most Of It
Summer gardening can be bit demanding but by ensuring proper care and precaution your plants can thrive in the hottest month. Whether you’re tending to flowers, vegetables, or herbs, these best practices will help you keep your plants healthy, vibrant, and full of life throughout the summer heat. Let’s connect!Â