Tips For Starting a Summer Garden

It’s Not Too Late, There are Many Things You Can Still Plant in a Summer Garden!

The weather has finally warmed up with no chance of frost, and the sun shines gloriously every day. If you have had weather issues, or are a procrastinator, there are many plants that will still thrive even though the weather is settling into summer. There are some challenges to a late start summer garden, but nothing that should deter you from a good harvest. Honestly, almost everything but the coolest seasonal plants can still be grown.

Make sure your plants get enough water. Check them daily; if they are wilted, water them in the evening or early morning.

Keep pests at bay. Many garden insects are coming into their prime this time of year. Keep them picked off or eradicate by some other method. Summer squash and zucchini can still be planted, but squash bugs will take over if you are not proactive. Try these simple natural ways to prevent squash bugs.

Provide shade for young seedlings and starts. Use mulch, grass clippings or even newspaper to help reduce the sun’s exposure.

Keep weeds at bay. They seem to pop up overnight and can overrun your garden in just a few days.

Flowers – All annuals can be planted; sunflowers, marigolds, zinnias, hollyhocks can be planted at one month intervals to ensure color up until frost. Most annuals thrive on the summer sun, so take advantage of the long days to have some color in the garden!

This is a perfect time to start seeds and plants of perennials for next year’s garden. The plants will develop plenty of growth before the colder seasons set in, and you will be all set for next year’s color! Try these fun DIY seed pots as a summer activity with the kids. It is also the perfect time to start a compost pile for your fall or spring garden in a helpful composter.

Herbs – The same applies to herbs; plant a continuous supply of basil, cilantro and other annual herbs to maintain a supply until the hard frost hits. Perennials herbs like rosemary, sage, and lavender can be started from cuttings now and can grow into healthy, beautiful plants by the fall.

Vegetables – Plants like tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers should already be in the ground; if not, look for started plants at the garden center.

The late spring and summer soil is warm, and most every other vegetable will grow quickly from seed. Plants like leaf lettuce, radishes, corn, and carrots should be planted at one month intervals so you maintain a continuous supply. Start cabbage inside for late season plantings.

Root vegetables, including carrots, beets, and radishes are still a good choice to plant. Beans, either to grow for fresh beans or dried beans, will grow fast in the warmer weather. Although spinach will bolt in the warm weather, swiss chard is a good alternative for warmer weather. Pumpkins, winter squash, and summer squash are great choices for planting. The only caveat is if you want to grow the huge squash or pumpkins – make sure you have enough frost free days for them to mature. If you don’t, choose a variety that matures a little sooner.

Edible Flowers – Many of the edible flower varieties are still good choices to plant. Nasturtiums, calendula, violas, and the like are pretty in the garden as well as edible in salads and as garnishes. Try a few plants and see!

Get the right shrubs. – The shrubs you use around your summer garden play a big role in how it looks. Pick the right ones for you. You’ve plenty of options to choose from, but these boxwood shrubs can be worth it.