It feels so weird to say that we are almost into late summer…especially when it feels like the warm weather just arrived!
But, mid-August is almost here and with it comes our usual heatwaves that our plants need a little extra help getting through. It’s also the time some of our plants start either fading out or wrapping up their last blooms.
It’s the start of the awkward season where it’s too early to yank all of them out, but some of them are just not looking like they used to.
We’ve got a few tips for you to help you navigate late summer gardening!
1. Take the time to water
If you listen to no other advice from us, listen to this: take the time to water your plants!
At this point in the season, most of your plants will need to be watered daily.
We know taking the time to water your plants every day is a commitment, so try having your morning coffee while you water the plants. Coffee + a little time outside is a great way to start the day!
Be sure to also take the time to give your plants a deep soak about once a week.
Check out our simple watering guide for some simple watering tips straight from our master gardener!
2. Fertilizing
Fertilizing is a bit of a tricky subject at this late in the season. Before we get any further, let’s take a minute and address the two times you should NEVER apply fertilizer: when the plant is not in active growth or dry (always water and then come back and fertilize about 30 minutes later).
At this point in the season, good watering practices might be better than fertilizing, but it depends on the plant and situation. If a plant is struggling due to drought or heat stress, fertilizer won’t help with that.
A good rule of thumb would be to take a few days and see what good watering practices do for the plant. If watering isn’t cutting it, adding a little fertilizer might not be a bad idea.
3. Add a little mulch
Mulch can be a great thing to add around your plants at this time of the year. It will help protect the plants from the heat and can also help them retain moisture.
We have a few different mulch options at Summit Ace that are currently available and in stock.
4. Give your garden beds and pots a little extra love
Weeding and deadheading isn’t exactly the most enjoyable part of gardening, but it’s necessary for healthy plants and blooms.
If your flowering plants aren’t blooming anymore or are starting to have brown or wilting sections, take some time to deadhead them and/or weed around those plants.
Deadheading will encourage new growth and weeding helps ensure your plants aren’t competing for water or light (and a nicely weeded garden isn’t tough on the eyes!).
5. Give yourself permission to toss certain plants out
While you are out giving your garden some extra love, be sure to give yourself permission to toss the plants that are old, finished, or damaged.
Certain plants have a limited lifespan and that’s not a reflection on you as a gardener.
Let’s say it again: GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO JUST TOSS THOSE PLANTS THAT CAN’T BE SAVED.
Unhealthy plants can attract bugs and disease and cause issues for your other plants. By getting rid of a plant that isn’t working, you might end up saving/helping the ones that can be saved.
If you are struggling with your garden, need a little extra help, or want to just speak to a gardening expert, come see Paula in our greenhouse! She’s here at Summit on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week!