Mid-summer gardening can be a challenging time for both experienced and seasoned gardeners. Environmental and seasonal factors impact not only the health of our plants, but also, the health and well-being of gardeners. Here is why mid-summer gardening can be particularly difficult along with tips on how to beat the summertime gardening blues.
Extreme Heat and Sun Exposure – With rising temperatures, even sun-loving plants can struggle with the heat. The sun’s heat can scorch tender leaves, stress flowers, and overheat roots, causing them to dry out or prevent them from absorbing water and nutrients. Additionally, some vegetables (like lettuce or spinach) bolt (go to seed) early in hot weather. This shifts the energy away from leaves and roots to flower and seed production and results in bitter tasting plants and lower quality harvests.
Drought /Watering Challenges – Just like humans, plants require more water as temperatures soar – often requiring daily watering routines. Not only are plants thirstier, but higher heat also causes faster evaporation of water in the soil and on the surface of plants’ leaves. Also, even though we may water our plants regularly, inconsistent watering practices (e.g., too much water one day, and too little the next), causes stress to plants’ root systems. This can result in an overwatering/underwatering problem.
Pests and Diseases – Plants aren’t the only things that love the summer sun. Mid-summer also supports the perfect environment for garden pests like aphids, slugs, and spider mites that love to feed on young leaves and stems. Knowing which “critters” are beneficial to our gardens (like monarch butterfly eggs and larvae) vs. harmful (Japanese beetle) helps to support a healthy ecosystem. Finally, heat, moisture, and humidity encourage fungal diseases like powdery mildew and blight.
Soil Degradation – Repeated watering, heat, and soil compaction due to gardeners’ feet and equipment cause the soil to harden, reducing air and water flow to plant roots. Also, over time, nutrients leach out faster due to frequent rain or watering schedules.
Wind and Storm Damage – Summer storms can break stems, uproot plants, and damage fruits and flowers. Also, strong winds can leach moisture from leaves and stems, causing plants to dry out more quickly.
Invasive weeds – Not only do our garden plants thrive in mid-summer, so do noxious weeds. If these are left unchecked, they will choke out beneficial plants as they compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Gardener Fatigue – Working in the garden can be tough any time of year. However, working in the heat of mid-summer gardens can be particularly exhausting or even dangerous. Gardeners need to be aware of safe sun practices and their physical limitations.
Practical Tips for Mid-summer Gardening:
Manage Extreme Heat and Sun Conditions
Every plant has their unique sun exposure requirement. Make sure to consider each plant’s sunlight needs prior to positioning them in the garden (e.g., full sun, part sun, shade, etc.). Too much sun will scorch and burn shade-lovers like impatiens and begonias. Too little sun for sun-lovers like petunias and zinnias will produce leggy growth and fewer blossoms. Also, some plants, especially those that are younger or more delicate, appreciate a bit of shade during the hottest parts of the day.
- Remember to use mulch. Mulches help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. If you use an organic mulch, like tree bark, remember that these continue to break down as summer progresses. Adding a fresh layer helps keep plants cool and hydrated.
Water Stress: Overwatering/Underwatering – Both overwatering and underwatering can cause similar symptoms: wilting and yellowing leaves and leggy growth. However, consider overwatering as the problem if you notice root rot, soggy soil, mold and white fungus growth on the soil surface, or blisters on leaves due to edema. Underwatering may be the culprit if you see dropping leaves, crispy or brown leaves, or stunted growth. How to fix:
- Always check the soil’s moisture level prior to watering. For most plants, the soil should be slightly damp.
- Establish a regular and consistent watering routine.
- Know your garden plants’ watering needs
- Consider using rain barrels, drip irrigation systems, or soaker hoses.
Diseased Plants and Critter Pests – Check garden plants regularly to assess the health of your plants. Look for leaves that have holes on them or have chew marks, yellowing leaves, the active presence of bugs, eggs, or larvae, etc. If you find these, don’t worry. You don’t need to be a Master Gardener to know what to do next. There are plenty of great online garden books and online resources that can help you differentiate between beneficial insects and harmful ones and what you can do to remedy the issue.
- Encourage beneficial insects such as lady bugs, lacewings, spiders, and birds in the garden.
- Practice healthy spacing between plants and consider crop rotation.
- Neem oil and insecticidal soap are eco-friendly and effective choices for many summer pests.
Improve the Garden’s Soil Health – Use compost, worm castings, or organic fertilizers. Even if you have amended the soil prior to planting, by mid-summer, nutrients in the soil often become depleted as the season progresses. Also, the stress from extreme heat and drought amp up the need for extra nutritional support. Symptoms of nutrient deficiencies vary depending on the issue, but regular use of soil amendments and/or a balanced organic fertilizer usually keeps most plants happy. Just remember to follow fertilizer instructions carefully, use ones that are environmentally friendly, and don’t overdo it.
Protect Plants Against Wind Storms – Stake taller plants such as tomatoes, sunflowers, delphiniums, and peonies to prevent being snapped during high winds. Also, some supports such as tomato cages and netting can provide additional protection against hail.
- Consider using fences, tall hedges, or temporary barriers as wind breaks
- Remove damaged leaves and branches as soon as possible after the storm to prevent the spread of disease.
Keep Weeds Under Control – Consider using low-growing native plants to prevent weed growth. When possible, pull weeds while they are small and before they go to seed. And don’t forget the mulch. Not only does mulch retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, it inhibits weeds from emerging.
Remember to Garden Safely – Avoid the high heat of the mid-day sun and garden during the early morning or evening hours whenever possible. Remember to stay well hydrated, take frequent breaks, and wear a hat and use sunscreen. Listen to your body.
Here’s One More Important Tip for the Mid-Summer Gardener:
Make Time to Enjoy Your Garden
Interacting with nature, gardening, and being in green spaces help us embrace wonder, joy and are critical components for our health and well-being. You’ve worked hard to make your garden a special place to enjoy and re-charge. Remember to make time to sit back, relax, and appreciate the many wonders and joys which nature and gardening offer you.
