Summer and all that it brings with it can be tricky to navigate when gardening - between threats of storm activity, scorching hot and humid days, and the influx of pests - it’s important to have a plan of what you envision for your summer garden.
Let’s start with what you may want to plant; it’s important to keep in mind the time it will take to keep up your garden when planting! We have been experiencing temperatures a bit higher than usual, so we’re opting for drought tolerant varieties to cut down on watering time.
Full-sun drought tolerant perennials:
Homestead purple verbena
Indian pink
Siskiyou pink gaura
Coneflower
Autumn sage
Evening primrose
Drought tolerant grasses and foliage, try planting:
Mexican feather grass
Sedges
Catmint
Japanese painted fern
Powis castle
If you’re looking to eat from your garden - now is the perfect time to plant:
Watermelon
Eggplant
Cucumber
Sweet potatoes
Okra
Cantaloupe
You’d be surprised at how little space is needed to start a garden! If outdoor space is slim you can opt for a raised box garden - or you can plant things like peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and eggplant in container gardens. Take note that produce in containers requires heavy watering in hot weather versus gardens directly in the ground.
Unfortunately, with the warm weather and heavy rains comes an influx of insects! While most are harmless, there are some that will take over your garden if they get the opportunity. An all-natural, do-it-yourself version of pest-repellent is to boil a bulb of garlic in water then pour the cooled garlic water along the base of the plants and soil surrounding. The bugs don’t like the garlic and they’ll soon pack up and find another home.
Above all, with all that the changing seasons ask of us in our home, it’s important you have time to enjoy it and not dwell on the mundane tasks.
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