By summertime, your garden is likely buzzing with activity and color after all your hard work. But keeping things going strong through the hottest part of the season requires a bit more work -it’s about nurturing your plants to thrive and even set the stage for fall. Here’s some advice to give your garden the care it needs to stay healthy and productive!

Stay Ahead of the Weeds

Weeds are relentless competitors in the garden, and if left unchecked, they can quickly overwhelm your plants and vegetables. It’s essential to stay on top of them as your plants are working hard to mature. The best time to weed is early in the morning, before the heat sets in. Even just 30 minutes each day pulling weeds can make an enormous difference.

You don’t have to tackle everything at once, just find a routine that works for you. Consistency is key and with a little daily effort, the weed problem becomes far more manageable, and your plants will thank you!

Thin Out Overcrowded Crops

If you’ve planted crops like carrots or beets earlier this summer, they may be starting to crowd each other. Thinning is crucial to allow roots to develop fully. You’ll want to provide about two finger-widths of space between each plant. If you find some baby carrots or beets that are already edible—go ahead and enjoy them! Those little carrots will be sweet and make a perfect addition to summer salads, while beet greens are rich in nutrients and can be sautéed or added to soups and smoothies.

Give Plants a Nutritional Boost

Just like people, plants need nourishment to stay strong. By mid-summer, the nutrients in your soil could be depleted, especially if you haven’t fertilized since spring planting. This is the perfect time to give your garden a little extra fuel.

Consider side-dressing your plants with compost or aged manure. These natural amendments slowly release nutrients and improve soil texture. If you prefer something quicker, liquid fertilizers like fish emulsion or manure tea are great options when mixed with your watering routine. This mid-season feeding can give your plants the energy they need to keep flowering and bearing fruit well into late summer.

Be Smart About Watering

Watering becomes increasingly important as summer temperatures rise. Your garden needs about one to two inches of water per week. To make it easy, use a rain gauge to keep track of what nature is providing. If rainfall comes up short, it’s up to you to supplement with deep, consistent watering.

You can check the moisture level by digging down about six inches into your soil—this is where most roots live and need access to water. Superficial sprinkling won’t help much; it’s better to water deeply, letting the water soak in rather than run off. Soaker hoses are ideal because they deliver water directly to the base of the plant, minimizing waste.

To cut down on how often you need to water, you can add a layer of mulch. Materials like straw, grass clippings, shredded leaves, or even newspaper also help retain moisture and suppress weeds—a double win for your garden.

Plant a New Round of Crops

Just because summer is here or halfway through doesn’t mean it’s too late to plant more! In fact, starting a second round of crops mid-summer can lead to a bountiful fall harvest. First, remove any spring vegetables that are past their prime—those bolted lettuces and spent peas have done their part. Now, you’ve got open space for new growth.

If your region has a long growing season, you can still get in another batch of warm season crops like bush beans or cucumbers. Otherwise, opt for cool-weather staples such as broccoli, kale, carrots, spinach, beets, radishes, and turnips. These hardy crops can handle the beginning fall chill after summer and even improve in flavor.

Lettuce can be tricky in hot soil, so consider starting seeds indoors or in a shady spot. Once sprouted, transplant the seedlings under taller plants to help keep them cool and reduce the risk of bolting.

Keep an Eye Out for Pests

Insects love your garden as much as you do—but their intentions are far less wholesome. Regularly scouting for pests can help you catch problems before they explode into full-blown infestations. Most bugs prefer to hide on the undersides of leaves, so be thorough in your inspections.

Morning is the best time to look for them since many insects are less active when it’s cool. If you spot pests, knock them into a bucket of soapy water—this is an effective and chemical-free way to deal with many common garden bugs.

Be especially watchful for squash bugs, which don’t limit themselves to squash. They also target melons, cucumbers, and even sunflowers. Stay vigilant and act quickly to prevent them from spreading.

Harvest Early and Often

Frequent harvesting is one of the best ways to keep your garden productive. Many plants will continue to produce more fruit the more often they are picked. Beans, in particular, benefit from this—leave them on the vine too long, and the plant will stop flowering. The same goes for zucchini and cucumbers, which can grow large and seedy if left unattended.

Tomatoes should be picked as soon as they ripen for the best flavor and to encourage continued production. If you’re suddenly overwhelmed with produce, sharing with neighbors or donating extras to a local food pantry is a wonderful way to share the wealth and help prevent food waste.

Give Your Ornamentals Some TLC

While your focus may be on the vegetable patch, don’t forget your flowers and other ornamental plants! Deadheading—removing spent blooms—keeps them looking tidy and encourages more blooms to come. Weeding, deep watering, and adding a layer of fresh mulch will also keep your flower beds in top shape.

Tall plants may need to be staked to prevent flopping, especially after summer storms. And if you have containers or hanging baskets, be extra attentive. These dry out quickly in the heat and may require daily watering. Be sure to replenish them with a liquid fertilizer or a slow-release option scratched into the soil as nutrients can wash out with frequent watering.

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself

With so much to do, it’s easy to forget that the gardener needs care, too. Try to schedule your garden tasks for early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Wear breathable clothing, use sunscreen, and drink lots of water and electrolytes to stay hydrated.

If you’ll be down on your knees pulling weeds or planting, use a padded kneeler or bring along a small garden stool to protect your joints. Remember, the work you’re doing is not only good for your garden—it’s also great exercise and a chance to unwind amidst your busy days.

Enjoy the Scenery and Harvest!

Yes, there’s a lot to juggle in a summer garden. But the rewards are well worth it. With a bit of daily care and thoughtful planning, your garden can continue to thrive through the heat and well into the fall. Whether you’re picking ripe tomatoes, prepping a new row of carrots, or just enjoying a quiet moment surrounded by flowers and bees, take a moment to appreciate all you’ve grown—and all the joy it brings.

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