By midsummer, your garden has shifted from planting season into maintenance mode. A little attention now will keep flowers blooming longer and vegetables producing well into fall.
Water Smarter
Deep watering encourages stronger roots than frequent shallow watering.
Water:
- Early in the morning
- At the base of plants
- Deeply one to three times per week depending on weather
Containers and hanging baskets may need daily watering during hot spells.
Feed Hungry Plants
Your plants appreciate regular feeding, but the amount depends on the plant. Weekly, feed your summer annuals, hanging baskets and roses. Every 3 weeks, feed your tomatoes and peppers.
Always water first before applying fertilizer to avoid stressing roots.
Deadhead Flowers
Removing faded blooms encourages plants to produce more flowers instead of seeds.
Great flowering plants include:
- Petunias
- Geraniums
- Marigolds
- Zinnias
- Roses
Harvest Often
The more you pick:
- Beans
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Summer Squash
- Peppers
- Tomatoes
the more they'll continue producing.
Refresh Compost
A fresh layer of compost helps:
- Retain moisture
- Reduce weeds
- Keep roots cooler
- Protect soil during hot weather
- Plus, nutrients will permeate the soil when plants are watered.
Watch for Pests & Disease
Warm weather can bring unwanted visitors to the garden. Check your plants regularly for signs of damage so you can catch problems early.
Keep an eye out for:
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Powdery mildew
- Slugs and snails
If you spot an issue, our garden experts can help you identify the problem and recommend the best solution.
Plan for Late Summer Color
As early summer blooms begin to fade, it's the perfect time to refresh containers and garden beds with plants that thrive through late summer and into fall.
Great choices include:
- Echinacea
- Rudbeckia
- Sedum
- Lantana
- Ornamental grasses
These heat-loving favorites provide lasting color while continuing to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Enjoy the Garden
Not every gardening task has to be work. Take time to enjoy everything you've grown. Whether it's fresh vegetables from the garden, colorful containers on the patio, or flowers buzzing with pollinators, midsummer is when your hard work really pays off.
With a little watering, feeding, harvesting, and deadheading, your Pacific Northwest garden will stay healthy, colorful, and productive through the rest of summer and into the start of fall. If you have questions about caring for your plants, stop by your nearest Al's Garden & Home. Our local experts are always happy to help.
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