Hot tips for your green thumb this summer.
Cookouts, baseball, and pool parties are Summertime staples and it’s the time to showcase your green thumb and really put your plants to work! While it can be easy to keep them thriving during the milder months, summer heat can be a real challenge but don't worry, we're here to help. In this post, we'll give you our top tips for keeping your garden growing strong all summer long and enjoy the fruits (and flowers) of your labor.
Get to know your garden
How well do you really know your garden?
One of the best ways to keep your garden thriving all summer is to get to know it intimately. What kind of soil do you have? (check out our post The Dish on Dirt) What kind of plants do well in your climate and soil type? What's the sun exposure like in your garden? hosta do excellent in shade while lilacs are great in sun. Knowing the answers to these questions will help you choose plants that are adapted to your environment and give you a better chance of success.
Check the forecast
Make sure to check the weather forecast before you water your plants. The last thing you want to do is water your plants when it's about to rain! Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes gardeners make, and it can quickly kill your plants.
Instead, wait until the forecast calls for several days of dry weather, and then water your plants deeply. And be sure to water them early in the morning so the moisture has time to evaporate before the sun comes out and heats things up. This can cause issues such as leaf blister and increase chances of disease.
Mulch
Mulching provides many benefits for you and your garden this summer. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, prevents weeds from growing, and can help to regulate the temperature of the soil. There are a variety of materials you can use for mulching, but we recommend using either organic or inorganic mulch. Organic mulch is made from materials like straw, hay, or leaves, while inorganic mulch is made from materials like stones or plastic. No matter what material you choose, be sure to spread it evenly over the surface of your garden beds. This will help your plants to thrive all summer long!
Water deeply and less frequently
Summertime can be hard on your plants, especially if they’re not used to the heat and humidity. It is critical to remember is to water deeply but less frequently. This will help your plants withstand the heat and moisture by promoting better, deeper roots and will also prevent them from becoming over-saturated.
If you're having a hard time keeping track of when to water, try using a moisture meter to help you gage how wet the soil is. This way, you can water your plants only when they really need it, and you'll be less likely to overwater them. We also recommend using mulch around your plants to help retain moisture in the soil. Not only will this keep your plants healthy, but it will also help reduce the number of weeds that grow in your garden.
Fertilize
A way to help prevent and avoid extra stress on plants (especially during the summer) is to fertilize them regularly. Fertilizing helps to promote healthy growth and will help your plants thrive all season long. There are a variety of different fertilizers on the market, so be sure to choose one that is specifically designed for your plants' needs. For example, if you have a garden full of flowering plants, you'll want to use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer carefully, and don't overdo it! A little bit of fertilizer goes a long way.
Check for pest and diseases
It's important to be proactive and check your plants for pests and diseases on a regular basis. This includes checking the undersides of leaves, as well as the stems and branches, for any signs of trouble.
If you do find any pests or diseases, act immediately. This might mean using a pesticide or fungicide, or simply removing the affected plant from your garden. Don't wait until the problem gets worse - act fast and you'll be able to save your plants!
Conclusion
Summertime is a great opportunity to get your garden in top shape. Here are a few tips to help you keep your plants healthy and thriving all season long and as always visit our plant care page or email us at Support@tristarplants.com for more information.
- Make sure to water your plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Check on your plants regularly to make sure they aren't suffering from pests or diseases.
- Mulch your plants to help keep them cool and moist.
- fertilize them regularly to help them thrive.
- Prune them as needed to keep them looking their best.
- Enjoy your garden!