Summer gardening can produce beautiful foliage and colorful blooms. To enjoy your plants through autumn, you must maintain their health. Here are some simple tips for growing a gorgeous garden in the summer, either in your front beds or on your porch.
Beautifying your flower beds
Most annuals, perennials, and vegetables thrive during warmer months. Annuals typically have a showy display of color, while perennials make a good investment as they come back each year. Growing a vegetable garden is a bit trickier, but the rewards can be delicious. For sturdy summertime flora, research what plants thrive in your climate. Some sun-loving plants include:
Lantana
Periwinkles
Zinnias
Cosmos
Geraniums
Shasta daisies
Colette Haskell, horticulturist at Nick’s Garden Center in Aurora, Colorado, says no matter what you plant, with the right soil, almost anything will grow.
“The key to success is the soil. Mixing existing ground soil with organic compost provides a great benefit for all gardeners,” Haskell says. “Add in a little fertilizer for good measure.”
Easy container gardens
You can use just about anything as a planter — from ceramic pots to wooden wine barrels. Before planting, make sure the container you choose has adequate drainage holes on the side or bottom. In shadier spots, begonias flourish, while salvia soaks up the sun.
For best results, Dennis Karas, manager at B.A. Florist & Nursery, Co. in Chicago, suggests watering your outdoor potted plants one to two times a day in the summer.
“With a container garden, you’re not only getting the heat from above, but the containers act like insulators and dry out the soil quick,” Karas adds. “Also, the best times for watering are early in the morning or before twilight to avoid disease.”
Gardening is a great way to enjoy the summer season and surround yourself with the beauty of nature; all it takes is a little know-how and patience.
Summer gardening tips for any climate
By Brittany Morgan
Summer gardening can produce beautiful foliage and colorful blooms. To enjoy your plants through autumn, you must maintain their health. Here are some simple tips for growing a gorgeous garden in the summer, either in your front beds or on your porch.
Beautifying your flower beds
Most annuals, perennials, and vegetables thrive during warmer months. Annuals typically have a showy display of color, while perennials make a good investment as they come back each year. Growing a vegetable garden is a bit trickier, but the rewards can be delicious. For sturdy summertime flora, research what plants thrive in your climate. Some sun-loving plants include:
Colette Haskell, horticulturist at Nick’s Garden Center in Aurora, Colorado, says no matter what you plant, with the right soil, almost anything will grow.
“The key to success is the soil. Mixing existing ground soil with organic compost provides a great benefit for all gardeners,” Haskell says. “Add in a little fertilizer for good measure.”
Easy container gardens
You can use just about anything as a planter — from ceramic pots to wooden wine barrels. Before planting, make sure the container you choose has adequate drainage holes on the side or bottom. In shadier spots, begonias flourish, while salvia soaks up the sun.
For best results, Dennis Karas, manager at B.A. Florist & Nursery, Co. in Chicago, suggests watering your outdoor potted plants one to two times a day in the summer.
“With a container garden, you’re not only getting the heat from above, but the containers act like insulators and dry out the soil quick,” Karas adds. “Also, the best times for watering are early in the morning or before twilight to avoid disease.”
Gardening is a great way to enjoy the summer season and surround yourself with the beauty of nature; all it takes is a little know-how and patience.