Summer Gardening Tips

The Pacific Northwest is experiencing hotter and drier conditions. Summer gardening is all about temperature, moisture, and maintenance.

Heat and Sun Protection

Plants can experience heat stress and get sunburned, just like we do. If you can, provide a lightweight shade cloth over sensitive plants, or move them to the east side of your house so they get morning sun and are protected from the afternoon heat. In our area, 30-40% knitted shade cloth is recommended. White or reflective cloths can also reduce heat without starving plants of ambient light on cloudy days.

Moisture Retention

Water early in the morning to prevent evaporation. Water deeply once or twice a week rather than sprinkle daily because the water needs to penetrate 6-12 inches deep to encourage deep root growth. Good roots make your plant resilient to heat. Water at the soil level, not on the leaves, to prevent fungal disease like mildew.

Routine Maintenance 

Mulch is essential; it keeps the soil cool, locks in the moisture and acts as protection from the harsh sun. You can use straw, shredded leaves or wood chips that break down and enrich your soil over time. In our climate it is good to stay away from finely shredded bark or sawdust that can mat together, preventing moisture from getting to the roots. Plants need a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, and remember to keep the mulch a few inches away from the base of the plant to prevent rot.

Cut back leggy summer annuals by one-third and water deeply for another blast of blooms. Don’t forget to pick off the dead flowers to keep your plants blooming longer.

Weeds will compete for water and nutrients on those hot days, so remember to pick them when they are little!

If you have a vegetable garden, pick your vegetables in the early morning when they have higher water and natural sugar content. They taste better and stay fresh longer. Harvesting frequently keeps the plant producing new buds, so pick your beans, squash, and cucumbers while they are young and tender.