Smart Summer Garden Maintenance Tips to Help Your Garden Thrive Through the Hottest Months of the Year
Summertime brings sunshine, long days, and the perfect excuse to spend more time outside—but your garden may need a little extra care to stay lush and healthy. As temperatures rise and rainfall becomes unpredictable, your plants face new challenges. Fortunately, following a few summer garden maintenance tips can make a big difference.
Need help preparing your garden for a summer of vibrant blooms? The experts at Borst Landscape & Designare ready to help. Call us at (201) 822-9327 or contact us onlinefor personalized guidance and year-round garden care.
Why Summer Garden Maintenance Matters
The heat of summer can put serious stress on your plants. Without regular care, lawns turn brown, flowers fade early, and weeds quickly take over. Summer maintenance is all about supporting your garden during peak growing season—nurturing strong root systems, encouraging blooms, and keeping pests and diseases at bay.
Whether you’re tending flower beds, vegetable gardens, or ornamental shrubs, staying on top of summer tasks can keep your landscape looking its best.
1. Water Wisely and Deeply
When temperatures climb, consistent watering becomes critical. But how you water matters just as much as how often.
- Water early in the morningto minimize evaporation and give plants time to absorb moisture before the heat peaks.
- Deep, infrequent watering(rather than shallow, daily sprinkles) encourages roots to grow downward, improving drought tolerance.
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hosesto deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and minimizing fungal issues on leaves.
For most garden plants, aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, adjusting for rainfall and plant type.
2. Mulch to Keep Roots Cool
Mulching is one of the simplest ways to protect your garden during summer. A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch—such as shredded bark, pine needles, or compost—acts as a natural insulator.
Benefits of summer mulching:
- Regulates soil temperature and moisture
- Suppresses weeds
- Adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down
Be sure to keep mulch away from plant stems to prevent rot and pest issues.
3. Prune for Health and Shape
Summer is a good time to prune dead or damaged growth, especially after spring’s burst of activity. Light pruning also encourages flowering and can prevent diseases by improving airflow.
Focus on:
- Deadheading spent bloomson annuals and perennials to encourage new flowers
- Trimming back leggy growthon shrubs and ground covers
- Removing crossing or crowded branchesto prevent fungal infections
Avoid heavy pruning during peak heat, which can stress the plant. If needed, save major cuts for late summer or early fall.
4. Stay Ahead of Weeds
Weeds grow faster in warm weather, and they compete with your plants for water and nutrients. Make it a habit to weed your garden regularly to prevent overgrowth and seed spreading.
Helpful tips:
- Pull weeds after rain or watering when soil is moist and roots come up more easily
- Use a hoe or weeding tool for deeper-rooted invaders
- Apply mulch to block sunlight and reduce weed germination
Staying consistent with weed control throughout the summer prevents major headaches later in the season.
5. Feed Your Plants the Right Way
Summer is a high-energy season for your garden, and many plants need an extra nutritional boost to perform at their best.
- Use slow-release fertilizers to avoid overfeeding, which can burn roots in hot weather.
- Choose an organic blend rich in nitrogen for leafy greens, phosphorus for flowers, or potassium for fruiting plants.
- Avoid fertilizing during heatwaves—wait for cooler days or apply in the evening when temps are lower.
Don’t forget to feed container plants more frequently, as nutrients leach out with regular watering.
6. Inspect for Pests and Disease
Warm, humid weather creates the perfect conditions for garden pests and fungal diseases. Keep a close eye on your plants so you can act early.
Look for:
- Chewed leaves or holes (common with caterpillars and beetles)
- Discoloration or powdery residue (signs of mildew or fungal infections)
- Sticky residue (a sign of aphids)
Use organic treatments like neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed. Introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can also help control pest populations naturally.
7. Support Tall and Climbing Plants
As summer growth surges, tall flowers and vines may need extra support. Without it, they can topple over or break in storms.
Use:
- Stakes for tall perennials like delphiniums or sunflowers
- Trellises or cages for tomatoes and climbing beans
- Soft ties to secure plants without damaging stems
Check support structures regularly and adjust as plants grow.
8. Deadhead and Harvest Regularly
Deadheading—removing faded blooms—not only improves the look of your garden, it encourages plants to keep producing new flowers. The same applies to fruit and vegetable plants.
- Harvest herbs and veggies frequently to promote fresh growth
- Cut back flowering annuals to extend their blooming season
- Remove spent flowers from roses, zinnias, and daisies to keep them blooming into fall
This simple habit can keep your garden productive and vibrant all season long.
9. Plan for Heatwaves
Even well-maintained gardens can struggle during a stretch of extreme heat. Planning ahead can prevent stress and long-term damage.
What to do:
- Provide temporary shade using garden fabric, umbrellas, or row covers
- Move container plants into partial shade if possible
- Water more frequently during extended dry spells
Be especially mindful of young plants and seedlings, which are more vulnerable to heat damage.
10. Keep an Eye on Lawns
Lawns need special carein summer. Raise your mower blades to 3 inches to keep grass longer, which helps shade the roots and retain moisture.
Other tips:
- Water deeply once or twice a week
- Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day
- Treat bare or thinning spots before weeds move in
A lush, green lawn sets the tone for the rest of your landscape—keeping it healthy during summer is well worth the effort.
Prepare Your Garden for a Season of Growth
With just a bit of regular attention, your garden can stay lush, productive, and beautiful all summer long. From watering techniques and mulch to pest control and pruning, these summer garden maintenance tips will help protect your landscape against heat, dryness, and seasonal stress.
Want expert help managing your property during the hot months? Whether you’re looking to refresh your flower beds or develop a full seasonal care plan, our team is here to assist.
Call Borst Landscape & Design at (201) 822-9327 orcontact us onlineto schedule your free consultation today.