The Summer Gardening Checklist
We’re heading into full bloom here in Powell River, which means a season full of abundant colour, gorgeous flower displays, and some early fruit and veggie yields. It’s also an incredibly hectic time in the garden, and while many annuals, perennials, and shrubs are fairly self-sufficient, there are still plenty of regular gardening tasks to keep up with if you want to make the most of your summer bloomers. Lucky for you, we put together this handy checklist to help make sure you’re staying on top of these daily duties!
How Do I Keep My Powell River Garden Looking Gorgeous All Summer?
Your blooms only grow during the short summer months, making it all the more important to ensure you get a good show before they’re gone! Here’s a checklist of regular summer gardening tasks to keep your garden going into the fall:
Water
This one should be a no-brainer, but maintaining a set watering schedule as the days get warmer and dryer is crucial for the ongoing success of your blooms. Container plants and hanging plants especially will need more frequent—even daily—waterings during warmer weather, as they tend to try out faster in the heat. If your garden isn’t getting enough to drink, you’ll spot some sure signs of dehydration, like wilting, browning, and droopy or tired-looking flowers. When rain does come in the summer, be sure to collect as much of it as you can in rain barrels or pots. After all, nothing waters plants better than nature! It’s also good to be aware of any local water restrictions that may be coming into effect.
Weed
As the summer days set in, so do those weeds! Keep an eye on your garden beds for creeping weeds that might be taking precious water and nutrients away from your perennials and annuals. Weeds that go to seed spread quickly, so it’s a good idea to make this task a daily part of your summer gardening checklist.
Feed
Flowering plants, especially annuals, love regular feedings during their active growing months. Stick to a regular fertilizing schedule as a part of your summer gardening checklist to keep your plants re-blooming until fall.
Deadhead
This summer, make a habit of staying on top of removing spent blooms from both your annuals and perennials to keep them looking fabulous all season! Annuals that are deadheaded regularly will keep blooming all summer long. Many perennials have a shorter flowering period, but by removing their spent flower heads, you can ensure they put their energy back into their roots or bulb for next year’s growth and not into seed production.
Train Your Vines
Your climbing plants are likely getting a bit unruly this month, so make sure you’re training them to climb where you want them before they venture up a path of their own. Summer bloomers like clematis will go wild if left unchecked, growing erratically in all directions and eventually toppling over.
Support Your Taller Plants
If you have some towering titans in your garden this year, like sunflowers, salvia, lupins, foxgloves, or tomatoes, make sure you anchor their height to avoid breakage. Planting taller flowers more deeply into the ground can help with support, but many are still vulnerable on windy days. Set up some obelisks, bamboo stakes, or trellises for an extra boost in structure.
Check for Pests
An essential item on your summer gardening checklist should be to watch for signs of garden pests. Pests are common in abundant, flowering summer gardens, but most are relatively easy to treat if caught in time. Be on the lookout for any signs that something has been munching away at your precious plants, including any sudden changes in their growth patterns or leaf colour.
Journal or Take Photos!
Remember to get outside and take some pictures of your garden this year, taking note of any surprise appearances or anything new that happened with its growth or health. Taking pictures can help you make design and transplanting decisions for the fall or late winter months, when your plants have gone dormant.
Mulch
Summer’s an ideal time to top up on mulch, as it helps keep your actively growing plants moist and cool during the hottest days. Adding a layer of mulch can reduce heat stress by preventing the soil from absorbing too much of the sun’s warmth.
We are loving all the incredible gardens sprouting up in Powell River this summer, and we know how hard you work to keep them looking their best! Fortunately, by following this summer gardening checklist, you’ll be basking in your incredible plant paradise for many more weeks to come. Stop by Mother Nature in Powell River, BC, today for maintenance supplies, materials, or some more friendly tips and tricks to help you get started!
