Are you looking to step up your summer gardening game, but aren't quite sure how to get started?
Caring for your summer garden can be a lot of fun and very beneficial for your health, but it can also be a lot of work. In order to make the most of your time in your garden, it's important to have the right know-how.
Read on to discover the top summer garden care tips that every gardener needs to know.
Mulch is basically your garden's best friend during the summertime.
Spread around a 2 to 3-inch layer of fresh mulch over the exposed soil. This will help protect your ground from the sun and the heat. Additionally, mulch helps prevent weeds from overtaking your garden.
Speaking of weeds, they can be especially prevalent during the summertime, which is why it's important to take the necessary steps to keep them away.
We suggest going through your garden with a hoe during the summer months at least twice per week, as this will help weaken already established weeds. If it's not too hot outside for weed pulling, you can also remove the seed heads from your weeds with your hands. Removing the seed heads will ensure that they don't germinate once the cool weather comes around again.
In addition to weeds, pests can also be a huge nuisance to your summer garden. Some of the most popular summer pests include grasshoppers, beetles, scale, whiteflies, and spider mites.
During the cool mornings, we suggest going through your garden and plucking off any large insects and placing them in a bucket of soapy water. Also, make sure you know the signs of pest infestation for the types of pests that are common in your area. If you notice any signs of infestation, it's important to get a hold of a pest control company ASAP before the problem gets out of hand.
During the summer months, your flowers will need a minimum of one inch of water per week. However, if temperatures in your area are hovering around the 100-degree mark, then your flowers may need as much as three inches of water per week.
While water is essential during the summer months, you also want to make sure you're not oversoaking your flowers. A generous dose of water a few times per week should do the trick. We also suggest using a soaker hose, as this will help you conserve water.
Weeds and pests aren't the only things that can wreak havoc on your summer garden. Fungal diseases and mildew are another thing you need to keep an eye out for. This is especially the case if you live in an area with high humidity and lower nighttime temperatures.
If you notice any leaves with black mildew spots, you should remove them immediately. Also, make sure you're selectively pruning your overcrowded branches to promote better air circulation.
Now that you've read these summer garden care tips, it's time to put them into action. Pretty soon, your garden will be looking better than ever.
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