Gardening Tasks to Tackle at the Start of Summer
As summer kicks off, gardeners are greeted with longer days, warmer temperatures, and a burst of growth in their gardens. This is a critical time to set the stage for a thriving garden through the season. Whether you’re tending to vegetables, flowers, or a mix of both, here are key tasks to prioritize at the start of summer to ensure your garden flourishes.
1. Assess and Prune
Summer’s warmth accelerates plant growth, but not all of it is productive. Take a walk through your garden to inspect plants for signs of overcrowding, dead or damaged branches, or spent blooms.
Prune shrubs and trees: Trim spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs or azaleas after they bloom to encourage healthy growth next year. Remove suckers or water sprouts from trees.
Deadhead flowers: Snip off faded blooms on perennials like roses, peonies, or salvias to promote continuous flowering and prevent energy waste on seed production.
Thin fruit trees: If you grow apples, peaches, or pears, thin young fruits to improve size and quality, reducing stress on branches.
2. Water Wisely
With rising temperatures, proper watering becomes essential to keep plants healthy.
Check irrigation systems: Inspect drip lines, sprinklers, or soaker hoses for leaks or clogs. Adjust schedules to deliver water early in the morning, minimizing evaporation and fungal issues.
Mulch to retain moisture: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (like bark, straw, or compost) around plants to conserve water, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Monitor soil moisture: Ensure deep, infrequent watering for established plants to encourage strong root systems. Use a moisture meter or dig a few inches to check if the soil is dry.
3. Weed and Maintain Beds
Weeds thrive in summer’s warmth, competing with your plants for nutrients and water.
Pull weeds early: Remove weeds before they set seed, focusing on areas around vegetables and young plants. Hand-pull or use a hoe for larger patches.
Tidy up beds: Clear debris, fallen leaves, or spent flowers to reduce pest habitats and improve air circulation.
Edge borders: Redefine garden edges for a polished look and to prevent grass from creeping into beds.
4. Fertilize and Feed
Summer is a hungry season for plants in active growth.
Feed vegetables and annuals: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or compost tea every 2-4 weeks to support fast-growing crops like tomatoes, peppers, or zinnias.
Boost perennials: Side-dress established perennials with compost or a slow-release fertilizer to sustain their summer performance.
Test soil if needed: If plants show signs of nutrient deficiency (yellowing leaves, stunted growth), test your soil to pinpoint needs and avoid over-fertilizing.
5. Plant for Late Summer and Fall
Early summer is prime time to sow or plant for extended harvests or blooms.
Sow warm-season crops: Plant heat-lovers like beans, cucumbers, squash, or okra in vegetable gardens. Start seeds for fall crops like broccoli or kale indoors.
Add late-blooming flowers: Tuck in annuals like cosmos, sunflowers, or marigolds, or perennials like asters, to keep your garden colorful into fall.
Fill gaps: Replace spring annuals or early crops with new plantings to maintain a lush, productive garden.
6. Protect Against Pests and Diseases
Summer’s humidity and heat can invite pests and pathogens.
Scout regularly: Check plants for aphids, spider mites, or fungal spots. Early detection makes control easier.
Use organic controls: Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, or use neem oil or insecticidal soap for soft-bodied pests.
Improve air circulation: Space plants properly and prune dense foliage to reduce mildew or blight risks.
7. Support Growing Plants
As plants stretch upward, they may need a little help to stay upright.
Stake tall plants: Support tomatoes, dahlias, or delphiniums with stakes, cages, or trellises to prevent flopping or breaking.
Train climbers: Guide vines like morning glories, pole beans, or clematis onto supports for healthy growth and better yields.
Harvest regularly: Pick ripe vegetables and herbs to encourage continued production and prevent plants from going to seed.
8. Plan for Heatwaves
Summer often brings scorching days that can stress plants.
Provide shade: Use shade cloth or row covers for delicate crops like lettuce during intense heat.
Water consistently: Increase watering frequency for container plants, which dry out faster.
Pause major projects: Avoid transplanting or heavy pruning during extreme heat to minimize plant stress.
Final Thoughts
The start of summer is a busy but exciting time for gardeners. By tackling these tasks—pruning, watering, weeding, fertilizing, planting, and protecting—you’ll create a strong foundation for a vibrant, productive garden. Take time to enjoy the process, too: pause to admire a blooming flower or savor the first ripe tomato. With a little care and attention, your garden will reward you with beauty and bounty all summer long.
