Summer is when gardens thrive, but it’s also when they demand the most attention. The longer days and warmer weather encourage lush growth, but they also bring challenges—like knowing how often to mow the lawn, keeping plants from wilting in the heat, and figuring out the best way to handle pests.
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your garden looking its best all season long, you’re not alone. Let’s tackle some of the most common summer gardening questions and get your yard in top shape.
How Often Should You Mow the Lawn?
One of the biggest mistakes people make in summer is cutting their grass too short or too often. The general rule is to get your Worx lawn mower out once a week, but there are exceptions. If you’ve had a lot of rain, your lawn may need mowing more frequently. On the flip side, during a dry spell, mowing less often helps the grass retain moisture.
Height matters too. Cutting the grass too short makes it more vulnerable to heat and weeds. Instead of scalping the lawn, keep it about three inches tall. This gives the roots better protection and helps the soil hold onto moisture longer.
What’s the Best Way to Water Without Wasting It?
Watering can feel like a never-ending task in summer, but doing it right makes all the difference. The best approach is to water deeply but less often, which encourages roots to grow deeper. Early morning is the ideal time, as it allows moisture to sink in before the sun gets too intense.
Drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses are excellent for minimizing waste, but even if you’re using a traditional hose, aim the water at the base of plants rather than the leaves. A layer of mulch around flowers and vegetables helps lock in moisture, meaning less watering overall.
How Can You Stop Weeds from Taking Over?
Weeds seem to thrive in summer just as much as your plants, and once they take hold, they spread fast. Staying on top of them is key. Pulling weeds while they’re small prevents them from developing deep roots, making removal much easier.
Another effective strategy is blocking their growth altogether. A thick layer of mulch not only helps with moisture retention but also stops weed seeds from getting the sunlight they need to sprout. If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn patch, a weeding tool or hoe can break up the soil and disrupt new growth before it becomes a problem.
How Do You Protect Plants from Extreme Heat?
When temperatures soar, even the healthiest plants can struggle. Keeping them hydrated is essential, but watering alone isn’t always enough. Shade-loving plants benefit from temporary coverings like shade cloths or even an umbrella on especially hot days.
If your plants are in containers, move them to a spot that gets some afternoon shade. Pots heat up quickly in the sun, drying out the soil faster than garden beds. You can also group potted plants together to create a microclimate that helps them retain moisture.
Another trick? Avoid fertilizing during a heatwave. New growth is more delicate and vulnerable to extreme temperatures, so hold off on feeding plants until the weather cools slightly.
How Can You Keep Pests from Ruining Your Garden?
Warm weather brings out all kinds of garden pests, from aphids to caterpillars. But before reaching for chemical sprays, try natural solutions. Encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can help keep unwanted bugs under control.
Companion planting is another effective strategy. Plants like marigolds, basil, and lavender naturally repel certain pests while attracting pollinators. If you do need to take action, insecticidal soaps or neem oil can help, but always test a small area first to make sure your plants can tolerate it.
How Do You Keep Flowers Blooming All Summer?
A garden full of colorful blooms makes summer even more beautiful, but flowers need a little encouragement to keep producing. Deadheading—removing spent flowers—prevents plants from going to seed too early and encourages them to produce more blooms.
Pinching back leggy growth also helps. If a plant looks scraggly, cutting it back slightly encourages fuller, healthier growth. Feeding flowering plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks ensures they have the nutrients needed to keep blooming.
If your flowers start looking stressed, check for signs like yellowing leaves, which could mean they need more water or a bit of afternoon shade.
What’s the Best Way to Keep a Vegetable Garden Thriving?
Summer is peak growing season for vegetables, but heat and pests can cause problems. Tomatoes and peppers, for example, are prone to issues like blossom-end rot, which is often due to inconsistent watering. Keeping the soil evenly moist—without overwatering—is the best prevention.
Lettuce and other greens tend to bolt in hot weather, making them bitter. Providing afternoon shade or switching to heat-resistant varieties can extend the growing season. For cucumbers and squash, watch for signs of powdery mildew, a common summer issue that can be controlled with good airflow and organic treatments like neem oil.
Harvesting regularly also keeps plants producing. The more often you pick ripe vegetables, the more the plant will focus on growing new ones.
Can You Still Plant New Crops or Flowers in Mid-Summer?
It’s not too late to plant in July or August, but you need to choose wisely. Some plants thrive when added mid-season, while others will struggle. Perennials like coneflowers and Black-eyed Susans do well when planted in summer, as do heat-tolerant vegetables like beans and carrots.
If you do plant in the heat, water deeply right away and keep an eye on moisture levels as the new plants establish their roots. Planting in the evening can also help them settle in before facing a full day of sun.
Enjoy a Flourishing Summer Garden
Gardening in summer is all about balance—watering just enough, mowing at the right height, and keeping an eye on weeds and pests. A little bit of regular care goes a long way in keeping everything lush and vibrant!
