Summer Garden Fundamentals
This post is on the fundamentals of gardening during the summer months. Here's the major priorities I recommend to optimize your gardening this summer.
The number one priority is watering. If your plants don't have enough water they can die during drought and extreme heat, aside from highly drought resistant plants like manzanita, ceanothus, and of course… cactus. For all my readers here in desert where I live, I know you know what I’m talkin’ about!
Targeting you’re watering to the feeder roots and drip zone of each plant will save you water and cut down on weeding because you are only watering the plants that need it when you set up your irrigation this way.
Less frequent and deep watering is often more beneficial to gardens than lawns. Set your lawns up for everyday coverage and your drip on for every other day at the most, and every 3rd day at the least. Of course check to make sure this is working by the body language of your plants and adjust accordingly - considering the age and root establishment of each plant.
Keep your irrigation clean/flowing by trimming away growth from pop-ups and drip emitters periodically. Replace any clogged or broken emitters immediately.
Lightly prune plant overgrowth to keep walkways flowing and aesthetics looking good.
Remember that extreme heat isn't the time for any full restructuring of a plant. Best time to do major pruning/full-on restructuring is during the late fall, winter, and early spring.
Weed your garden beds on a monthly basis - twice a month if you really want to stay on top of it. This will help keep things from going to seed and will also work your soil at the same time. Leave any native wildflowers you want to encourage like poppies and bachelor's button, or herbs like calendula and lemon balm if you enjoy using them.
In Summary
Watering, weeding, and light pruning are the basics when it comes to caring for your garden during the summer months.
Remember to avoid fertilizing this time of year unless a particular plant really needs it because fertilizers increase the need for water - especially nitrogen based ones - and use them sparingly. Even organic, they are strong medicine, with soil amendments being the meat of your garden beds.
Happy gardening!
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