Midsummer Garden Checklist

Added on:  July 3, 2023 @ 1:28 pm

Introduction

As we continue into summer, it’s not uncommon to feel a slight dip in your gardening enthusiasm. The once-flourishing plants in your garden may not live up to picture-perfect expectations and the scorching heat certainly doesn’t help. But fear not! If you find yourself and your garden in the midsummer doldrums, we have a few tricks up our sleeves to perk you up.

Midsummer Checklist

• Planting with Precision: Overplanting can hinder your plants’ performance and growth. Avoid overcrowding by understanding the mature size of your plants. Then, space them accordingly with planting. A little effort in research at the beginning will save you a lot of effort later on.  Adequate lighting is also crucial. Ensure that your sun-loving plants are placed in spots that receive ample sunlight, and shade-loving varieties are not overwhelmed by excessive shade.
• Weed Control: Take a proactive approach to weed management. Dedicate a brief period each morning to pull out any invading weeds. By nipping them in the bud early, you’ll prevent them from taking over and robbing your plants of essential nutrients.
• Thin Out Plantings: Give your root vegetables, like carrots or beets, room to flourish by thinning them out. Then, aim for spacing of approximately two finger-widths between plants, allowing them to develop strong and healthy roots.

• Mid-Season Feeding: Boost your plants’ vitality by providing a mid-season feeding. Dress them with compost or aged manure, or consider offering a liquid fish emulsion fertilizer or manure tea when watering. This added nutrition will fuel their growth and enhance their resilience.
• Watering Wisdom: Establish a watering routine that ensures optimal hydration for your plants. Set up a rain gauge to measure rainfall, aiming for one to two inches per week. If rainfall is insufficient, supplement with deep watering. Dig down around six inches to gauge soil moisture levels, focusing on the root zone. Soaker hoses are excellent for precise watering, promoting healthy root development, and minimizing water waste.
• Planting for Fall: Midsummer is the perfect time to plan ahead for fall crops. First, take note of your area’s first frost date. If intending to plant tender, warm-weather crops such as beans or cucumbers, ensure enough time for the plants to grow before frost begins. Alternatively, choose frost-hardy fall crops such as broccoli, kale, bok choy, carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, spinach, and peas.
• Pest Patrol: Regularly scout for pests, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves where they often hide and lay eggs. Take advantage of the morning hours when insects are groggy, knocking them into a bucket of soapy water for a swift demise.
• Timely Harvest: Don’t neglect your vegetable garden! Harvest crops promptly, picking them before they become overripe. Leaving them on the vine after seed maturation will slow down or halt fruit production. Additionally, stay on top of deadheading spent flowers in your flower beds to promote bushy growth and redirect the plant’s energy for healthy regrowth. More information about deadheading here. 
• Container Care: Container plants require extra attention as they tend to dry out quickly in hot weather. Ensure regular watering but be mindful of nutrient depletion. Also, consider using liquid fertilizers or slow-release fertilizers to maintain healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
• Mulching Matters: If you haven’t mulched your plants earlier in the season or need to replenish the mulch layer, now is the time. Mulch acts as a protective shield for plant roots, preventing soil drying and weed growth. Choose organic materials like shredded wood, leaves, straw, grass clippings, or non-glossy newspaper, which also enrich the soil as they decompose.

Conclusion

By implementing these midsummer checks and adjustments, you can revive your garden and regain that initial optimism. Don’t let the midsummer slump dampen your spirits! Roll up your sleeves, follow these tips, and watch your garden thrive once again. Happy gardening!

If you have any questions that weren’t answered, or if you need more information, feel free to stop by and see us at either the Broad St. or Mechanicsville location. You can also give us a call or drop us an email at info@stranges.com. We’re here to help you grow better! 

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Mechanicsville: 804-321-2200      West Broad: 804-360-2800