Summer Planting Tips to do Now
Memorial Day has come and gone, so that means the time for planting your outdoor garden is officially in full swing. This summer, make the most of garden season with our expert summer planting tips. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned pro, it’s never too late to learn something new. Without further ado, here are your 5 tips for top-notch summer gardening:
1) Shop Now and Save
Now is the time to stock up on your favorite seeds, annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs. The beginning of summer is the time that retailers and garden centers start making mark downs, so shop until you can shop no more.
2) Water Generously When Transplanting
If it’s too late to sow seeds directly into the ground, you’ll have to transplant started plants. When transplanting, remember to water generously and loosen soil around the roots to promote healthy growth and a stronger plant.
3) Mark Bulb Locations
If you have bulbs that you plan to move in the fall, now is the time to mark their locations before the foliage dies off for the year. A popsicle stick or plastic spoon with the name of the plant written on it will help you find your bulbs in the fall for easier transplanting.
4) Change Your Mower Settings
Summer is a great time to work on your lawn. Plant new grass seed, fill in bare spots and improve overall lawn health. One of the easiest ways to improve your summer lawn is by changing your mower settings. Most lawn mowers have an adjustable deck to change the cutting height. Set yours in the middle or one step higher for the summer. Taller grass is more resistant to drought, disease and insects. When you mow, go ahead and forego the bagger in the summer to add nutrients back to your soil and prevent thatch.
5) Grow a Vegetable Garden
It’s not too late to grow a prize-winning vegetable garden. Certain herbs like dill and basil still have plenty of time to grow and can still be direct seeded with success. Other plants like tomatoes, eggplants, tomatillos and peppers can be transplanted and still produce plenty of produce this year. Add a little compost or fertilizer to your garden for better yields. Towards the middle or end of summer it’s time to plant cold-season crops like lettuce, spinach, radishes and green onion.