It’s that time of year again! The weather is getting warmer and it’s time to start thinking about protecting your garden from extreme heat. If you want to garden like a pro this summer, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Following these simple tips, you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy garden all summer long!
Step 1: Select Summer-Friendly Plants
For a summer garden that thrives, choose plants that thrive in warmer weather. These include watermelon, okra, roselle, lima beans, and southern peas. Under hot conditions, these plants will thrive and provide a bountiful harvest.
Step 2: Remove Dead Plants and Debris
Secondly, remove any dead plants or plant debris. This will help ensure that your garden looks tidy, and it will also help discourage pests.
Step 3: Add Compost
Composting your garden is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase plant growth. Compost enriches the soil, allowing it to hold water and nutrients essential for plant growth. To make compost, all you need is some organic matter like leaves, grass clippings, coffee grounds, and a little time.
Step 4: Add a Layer of Mulch
Mulching your flowerbeds and vegetable gardens will help retain moisture and keep soil temperatures cool.
Step 5: Water Regularly
Proper watering is essential for any garden. Without it, your plants will suffer, and your harvest will be reduced. But how do you know how often to water? It depends on a few factors:
- Consider the type of plant. Some plants need more water than others.
- Think about the weather. If it’s been hot and dry, your plants require more water.
- Take a look at the soil. Is it sandy or clay-based? Those with sandier soil tend to dry out faster.
When you take these factors into account, you can plan a watering schedule that is right for your garden.
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Step 6: Protect Your Plants with a Shade Cloth
In the summer season, shading your plants can help lengthen their production and protect them from pests. This goes for plants like peas and spinach and new transplants that are getting used to field conditions. Plus, a little shade can go a long way if you’re germinating seeds like lettuce, which prefer cooler soils.
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