Mid-Summer Gardening

There comes a time in mid-summer when we realize that the garden is looking a little weary. Here are some things that can be done to perk up your garden so you can enjoy it for the whole season.

Mid-summer is a good time to see where the empty spots are in the garden and fill them in with some later blooming perennials and fresh color. Empty spaces appear where plants have gone dormant or died. If your garden could use more late-summer color, you can pick up a few pots of whatever is in bloom at your local Garden Center and be assured to give your mid to late summer garden a colorful boost. 

Planting at this time may require extra care due to the heat and dryness of summer, but it can be done. It is essential to keep plants watered consistently during the heat of summer (longer deep watering's less frequently is best). If you did not mulch in spring, consider doing it now. A two to three inch layer of mulch can reduce weed problems, conserve moisture and give the garden a clean fresh look. 

Try pruning and deadheading plants to encourage new growth. While watering, be sure to give your plants a good summer feeding. This helps to encourage the production of new leaves and flowers. Some perennials may even bloom a second time for you.

Harvest vegetables regularly from your veggie garden to keep the plants bearing. Start planning for your Fall Crops (plant some fall/cool crop veggies from seed). With a little prior planning, you can utilize and enjoy every season in your garden.

Garden Tools ~

Another very important part of gardening any time of year is garden tool maintenance.  Garden tool maintenance is an on-going function of any good gardening. Keep your lawn mower clean and the blades sharpened. The underside of the lawn mower deck should be cleaned regularly to prevent the build up of grass. The chlorophyll will also build up on the cutting edges of the blades. Dull, clogged blades give a poor cut and spread diseases right into the open wounds of the leaf blades. Hand pruners, hedge shears, grass shears, loppers, shovels, spades, forks and hoes, if they are kept clean and sharp, work more effectively. Clean with soapy water and dry by hand. Lubricate with olive oil or mineral oil.
A great way to store and maintain garden tools is in a large pot or bucket filled with sand mixed with some olive/mineral oil! This keeps them clean, sharp and rust free.

A good well-fitted pair(s) of gloves is also a necessary tool in gardening. Gloves not only protect us but can also protect plants and shrubs from insects, their eggs and soil born diseases and viruses.

Happy Gardening!