As the summer heat kicks in, you might think that your flowers and roses might not bloom or your vegetables will wilt; nevertheless, you don’t have to be afraid of the scorching heat. After all, this is the season to tend to your garden.

If you’re a gardening enthusiast, spending hours tending to your garden can be a source of great enjoyment. Undoubtedly, you will agree that there is something magical about tending to a garden during the warm months and watching your roses, flowers, and produce bloom.

No matter where you live, if you own a house with a garden or backyard, it comes with a huge responsibility: taking care of it. Many essential chores come with it. Here are a few to consider.

Adding Mulch

Mulch is a great addition to include in your garden. It has numerous properties that can enhance the quality of the soil. For example, mulch suppresses weed growth and helps the soil retain moisture, thereby fostering plant growth. As a word of caution, you don’t want to add too much, as this can hinder the water from penetrating the roots of your plants. You can use lighter variations of mulch, like straw or leaves, to enrich the soil over time. Apart from controlling weeds, mulch enhances the visual appearance of your garden.

Pulling Weeds

Weeds are silent killers; if you cannot quickly identify them, they can be a perfect breeding ground for pests and compete with the plants you want to keep for moisture, water, sun, and nutrients. Apart from the health benefits of getting rid of weeds, they can also aesthetically improve the appearance of your garden. Some weeds are known to release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants; that’s why it’s essential to pull them out regularly so that they can make your garden more productive.

Deadheading Flowers

Contrary to what you might think, deadheading flowers won’t make your garden less appealing; it will make it more productive. That’s because when you pull out the spent flower heads, you encourage more blooms to come out. In essence, you are directing the plant’s energy from seed production back into growing new flowers and foliage. Removing the old flowers tricks the plant into producing newer flowers. You can stay on top of that chore by regularly checking your garden each morning for spent blooms. 

Watering Regularly

It’s a given that on some days there will be more rain than others. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t let the dry, humid heat take a toll on your plants; if you do, you risk ruining your garden. A good option is to be ready with your hose once the heat kicks in. For those who can afford it, sprinklers and soaker hoses might be a smart option if you don’t want to drag the hose or watering can every day. 

Watching for Pests

Watching for pests requires paying careful attention to your plants each day. One day, your plants may look healthy, and the next day, they could be infested with pests and dying. A good idea for getting rid of pests in your garden or backyard is to use natural pesticides that you can make at home, such as neem oil or insecticidal soaps. Remember to watch out for chemicals in store-bought pesticides; they can easily poison your plants and produce, causing harm if ingested. It’s a good idea to pay immediate attention if you notice any issues with your plants; the longer you wait, the harder it will be to save your plants. 

Fertilizing your Plants

Fertilizing your plants helps them stay healthy and grow strong; it also allows them to produce. Many people have found it helpful to include organic fertilizers like manure, bonemeal nutrients, or decomposed vegetables in their soil. They can all release essential nutrients that improve the quality of the soil, keeping your plants healthy. 

Gardening is a great way to enjoy summer. By embracing the helpful tips above, you will not only take care of your plants, but also add a sense of meaning and purpose to your day.

David Messiha | Staff Writer