Seasonal Gardening - Summer

Water early in the morning, following local watering restrictions, to reduce evaporation and help limit disease and insect issues associated with prolonged nighttime moisture.

Focus on deep, efficient watering rather than frequent shallow watering so roots grow deeper and plants become more resilient during prolonged heat.

Maintain or refresh mulch around trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables to help reduce heat stress, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds, but keep mulch pulled back from stems and trunks.

Cut back selected reblooming and fall-blooming perennials in mid-summer, such as reblooming salvias, Mexican bush sage, Mexican mint marigold, and summer phlox, to keep plants compact and encourage a stronger fall display. Avoid hard pruning on plants that are simply heat-or drought-stressed, since they often need water and recovery rather than a severe cutback.

Be patient with blooming plants. Many ornamentals slow blooming during peak heat as a normal stress response, then rebound when temperatures ease.

Monitor newly planted trees and shrubs carefully, since they are especially vulnerable during their first summer. Even established trees may benefit from occasional deep soaking during prolonged drought.

Mow lawns at the proper height and avoid scalping turf, which increases heat stress and causes the soil to dry out more quickly.

Leave grass clippings on the lawn when practical to help return nutrients and organic matter to the soil, rather than removing them unnecessarily.

Remove declining spring vegetable crops, weeds, and spent plant material from garden beds before replanting for fall.

In late August and early September, prepare beds for fall vegetables by adding 1–3 inches of compost or other organic matter and incorporating it into the soil. Fall crops need full sun and well-drained soil, just like the spring garden.

Control weeds while they are still small, since shallow cultivation and mulching are more effective than waiting until weeds are mature and reseeding.

Avoid overfertilizing during peak summer heat, especially with high-nitrogen products, since forcing lush growth can increase plant stress. For vegetable beds, use fertilizer only as needed and based on crop stage and soil conditions.

Check irrigation coverage and repair leaks, clogged emitters, or misdirected spray heads so water is going to plants rather than pavement.