Summer is the time to sit back and enjoy the vibrant results of all your spring planting and cleanup efforts. As you take in the blooms, colors, and buzzing pollinators, a few simple tasks can help keep your garden thriving through the hottest stretch of the year.
Deadhead for More Blooms
Snip off spent flowers (also called deadheading) to encourage many plants to produce a second flush of blooms later in the season. Remove only the faded flower and no more than one-third of the flower stem. It’s a quick, satisfying task that keeps your garden looking tidy and blooming longer.
Monitor Watering
As temperatures peak, it’s important to keep your garden hydrated. Deep, infrequent watering helps roots grow strong and drought-tolerant. A good rule: when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, water deeply enough to reach 2 feet down. Track changes to your watering schedule and note the weather; it’ll help you better plan for next year. As we transition into fall, you can gradually start reducing your watering, but don’t ease up too soon.
Mulch and Weed
Re-apply wood mulch, as needed, to help keep moisture in the soil and keep up on removing weeds. a 3-4″ wood mulch layer will help keep soil moisture close to the roots and help to suppress weed growth.
Check your Garden In A Box Info Sheets
Double check the Summer Plant Maintenance Section of your Garden In A Box Info Sheets to check for any plant specific tasks. Misplaced your copy? Email GardenInfo@ResourceCentral.org and we’ll send you a PDF.
Fill in the Gaps
Take a look around your garden. Are there any empty spots or areas that could use more height, texture, or color? Late summer and fall are great times to refresh your landscape. Explore our late summer Garden In A Box store to pre-order plants and get ready to fill in those gaps.
Tip: Snap a few photos of your garden every couple of weeks throughout the growing season. They’ll help you remember where changes are needed and make planning next season much easier. If you’re like us, your camera roll is probably already full of garden photos—put them to good use!
Harvest Veggies
Pick tomatoes, peppers, melons, and other mid- to late-season vegetables regularly to encourage continued production and enjoy them at their peak.
Have an excess of these tasty veggies at the end of the season? Take a look at this awesome article from CSU Extension with creative ways to preserve your extra!
Take Time to Enjoy It
Perhaps the most important summer garden task is simply enjoying the space you’ve created. Sip your morning coffee among the flowers, watch pollinators at work, or relax outside on a cool evening. Your garden isn’t just something to maintain—it’s a place to experience.
With just a little attention throughout the summer, your garden will continue to thrive well into fall and be even better prepared for another beautiful season next year.
