Summer is fast approaching, and as the temperatures begin to soar, it’s important to get your garden prepared for the sweltering heat. As a new gardener, you might be wondering what you can do to make sure your plants survive the hottest months of the year.
Don’t worry – with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can keep your garden looking lush and green all summer long. With the increase in temperature, your garden needs extra care and attention.
Preparing your summer garden for the hot season can be challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, you can ensure that your garden thrives in the heat. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening gloves, and prepare your garden for the summer heat. We’ll cover everything you need to know about getting your garden ready for the hot season.
Supplies
Clean-Up Tasks
Before you start thinking about what plants to add to your garden for the summer, it’s important to do some clean-up tasks. Remove any debris or weeds that have accumulated in your garden beds and around your plants.
Prune overgrown trees and shrubs to maintain their shape and eliminate any dead branches. This will help to prevent pests from making your garden their home and also give your plants a chance to grow without any competition for water and nutrients.
Remove any diseased or dead parts of your plants to avoid the spread of the disease. Cleaning up your garden ensures that your plants will have healthy growing conditions, which also prevent unwanted pests.
Hot Weather Garden Protection
Once your garden is cleaned up, it’s time to think about how to protect your plants from the heat. When temperatures rise, it’s essential that you keep your garden well-watered.
Water your plants deeply, but don’t overwater, as it can cause soil erosion and root rot. One of the most effective ways to protect the plants from the summer heat is to add a thick layer of mulch.
Mulching helps the soil store more moisture and prevent it from evaporating, thus keeping the plants well-hydrated.
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You can also provide shade to plants that don’t tolerate the heat very well by using umbrellas or cloth. If you have potted plants, you might want to consider moving them to a cooler spot to prevent them from getting fried by the sun.
Plants That Are Appropriate for Hot Weather
If you want to keep your garden looking vibrant and healthy during the hot months, you need to choose plants that are suitable for the hot weather. Heat-loving plants such as marigolds, sunflowers, zinnias, and petunias will tolerate high temperatures and are perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden.
You might also consider adding some herbs such as rosemary, basil, oregano, and thyme, as they love the heat and are useful in the kitchen too.
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And for those of you who love to eat fresh, you can also grow fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons during the summer season. Make sure to choose heat-tolerant varieties that can thrive in your region.
Indoor Alternatives such as Microgreens
If you’re finding it too difficult to keep your outdoor garden looking lush and healthy during the hottest months, you might want to consider indoor alternatives such as microgreens.
These small edible plants are easy to grow indoors and can add flavors and nutrients to your meals. Microgreens such as radish, sunflower, cilantro, and arugula can be grown all year round, and will only take up a small amount of space in your kitchen or living room.
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Microgreens are easy to grow in an indoor space, and they require minimal maintenance. You can grow them in a pot or tray and place them on a windowsill or under artificial light. Microgreens are the perfect addition to salads and smoothies and are packed with nutrients.
Set up an Easy Watering System
It goes without saying that watering your plants is an essential part of gardening. During hot weather, plants require more water than during other seasons. Make sure to water your plants deeply and regularly in the early morning or late evening.
Watering in the middle of the day is not advisable because it will quickly evaporate due to the high temperatures. And remember, overwatering can be just as detrimental as underwatering, so keep an eye on your plants and water accordingly.
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Maintaining a healthy and vibrant garden in the height of summer can be a challenge, especially when trying to balance the perfect amount of water with a busy schedule.
However, installing an automated drip system can be a game-changer for any gardener. Not only will it take the guesswork out of watering, but it can also save time and money in the long run. By delivering a slow and steady stream of water to the root zone of plants, an automated drip system provides just the right amount of hydration without the risk of overwatering or wasting resources.
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With more time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, a lush and thriving garden awaits all those who make the switch.
Preparing your garden for the hot, sunny summer season can be a daunting task, but it’s important to get your garden prepared for the hot months ahead.
By doing some clean-up tasks, providing hot weather garden protection, choosing plants that are appropriate for hot weather, and even switching to indoor alternatives such as microgreens, you’ll be able to keep your garden looking lush and green no matter how hot it gets outside. These essential steps will guarantee a thriving summer garden that you can enjoy all season long.
Happy gardening!
