As the temperatures rise in the summer, the heat can be hard on your garden. From brown edges to brittle leaves, hot weather can cause plants to lose their vibrant colors and become more fragile. Yet, adding a little TLC to your summer garden maintenance routine can help keep your landscape lush. Here are five ways to beat the heat and keep your garden healthy this summer.
Trim Deadhead
The term “deadheading” refers to the removal of dead or wilted flowers from healthy plants. This not only cleans up the plant’s appearance and keeps your garden looking trim, but it also allows the plant to direct valuable nutrients to healthy blooms.
Water Frequently
High temperatures increase evaporation, so plants lose water from their foliage more quickly, while the soil loses moisture. Because of this, it’s important for plants to be watered more frequently so they don’t become dry, wilted and brittle. While this applies to all plants — from grasses to flowers — vegetables are especially sensitive to hot weather. It’s recommended to water vegetable gardens at least two to three times per week to keep the soil moist.
Feed Plants with Fertilizer
Yellow leaves are often a sign of an iron deficiency when plants can’t get enough nutrients from the soil. To keep plants healthy and vibrant, feed them with nutrient-dense fertilizer. The type of fertilizer and frequency varies by plant type. For example, some flowers and dense vegetables called “heavy feeders” need to be fertilized more frequently than leafy greens and shrubs.
Insulate with Mulch
Applying a layer of mulch can help protect your garden. It works by insulating the soil and roots, keeping weeds at bay and conserving moisture. There are several types of mulch to choose from, including wood chips, shredded bark, grass clippings, compost, straw, hay and even black plastic film.
Weed & Remove Dead Plants
Pulling weeds and removing any dead, dry or diseased plants helps improve the appearance of your garden, while also keeping your remaining plants healthy. Harmful pests and insects can live in dead plant matter and spread to other plants.
As we gear up for another hot summer, Prewett, Read & Associates is here to help you maintain a healthy, vibrant landscape. Contact us today to find out how we can help your garden thrive.