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 Spread a layer of organic mulch like leaves,
evergreen needles or woodchips on the soil surrounding plants. This
helps keep plant roots cool, conserves moisture, suppresses weeds
and improves the soil as it decomposes. Use a three- to four-inch
layer of coarser material like wood chips and a thinner, one-inch
layer of finer materials like leaves. Pull the mulch away from the
trunk of the tree, stems of shrubs, and base of flowers and
vegetables.
Water thoroughly to encourage deep, drought tolerant roots. Light,
frequent watering promotes shallow roots, making plants more
susceptible to drought and other environmental stresses.
Check new plantings every day or two and water often enough to keep
the root area and surrounding soil slightly moist. Gradually extend
the time between watering. Most plants thrive with an inch of water
each week. Let soil moisture not the calendar be your guide. Adjust
your watering practices based on temperature, soil type and
rainfall.
Water gardens early in the day to reduce water lost to evaporation
and the risk of disease. Consider using drip irrigation or soaker
hoses to apply water directly to the soil where it is needed. You
will conserve moisture and help reduce the risk of spreading disease
with overhead watering.
Check container gardens daily. Water thoroughly, until excess water
exits through the drainage hole, whenever the top few inches of
potting mix are dry. Succulents like to go a bit drier while
moisture-loving plants prefer evenly moist soil.
Continue weeding throughout the summer. These unwanted plants
compete for water and nutrients. Many are hosts for insects and
disease, attracting them to the landscape and putting your garden
plants at greater risk. Remove faded flowers
(deadhead) to improve the plant’s appearance, encourage more flowers
or prevent reseeding. Self-cleaning plants like impatiens, cuphea
and calibrachoa need no deadheading to keep blooming. Columbine,
Amsonia and bee balm are a few perennials that produce lots of
seedlings.
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Deadhead these and other plants that produce more
seedlings than you desire. Stop deadheading perennials in late
summer or early fall to allow seed heads to form. The seed heads add
winter interest and many attract songbirds to the garden.
Use twigs, decorative stakes, or other supports to keep tall, floppy
plants standing tall in the garden. Take time to mask functional
supports so staked plants still look their best. Consider decorative
stakes or convert found items into garden art that adds interest
while keeping your plants upright.
Don’t fret when some of your annuals stop blooming during the hotter
days of summer. Lobelia, French marigolds, and sweet alyssum are a
few annuals that may stop flowering (heat stall) during hot weather.
Continue to water and trim back as needed. Then wait for cooler
temperatures and flowers to return.
Add a few hanging baskets or containers for extra color and pizzazz.
Place containers and hanging baskets in lackluster garden areas like
the front entrance, next to the patio or anywhere a bit of fresh
color is needed.
Employ a few or all of these strategies to keep your garden looking
its best. You will be amazed at the big impact such small efforts
can provide.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including
The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook and Small Space Gardening. She hosts
The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the
nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program.
Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms
magazine. Her web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.
[photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com]
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