Most of us are lazy during winters and our garden bears the brunt of it. Summer may creep up on us and lots of work needs to be done to get the garden ready. Here are a few things to help you get your garden ready for summer.
Loving your lawn
If you want to keep your lawn looking its best all year round, it needs regular attention. This includes mowing regularly, raking up fallen leaves and dead grass, and applying fertilizer and mulch. It may also mean getting out there and cutting back any weeds that take hold.
Banishing weeds
A weed is any plant which grows where it isn’t wanted. It may grow well under certain circumstances, but not others. The best way to deal with unwanted plants is to remove them before they become established.
Clean up your space
If you want to grow vegetables, it’s important to keep weeds at bay. But if you don’t know what to look out for, you could end up pulling out valuable crops. It may not be harmful to eat, but it will take away nutrients from your food.
Care for your tools
The most important thing to consider when caring for your gardening tools is keeping them clean. Soil build up on equipment over time can affect its performance and longevity. If you don’t regularly clean your tools, they will eventually become less effective.
Plan and order
The first step is to decide where you want to plant what. Then it’s time to plan and order. I recommend starting with a simple planting schedule, so you know exactly which seedlings will be planted at what times.
Evaluate your planting area
A well-prepared bed will look great all year round, and it won’t require any maintenance during different seasons. The best way to prepare a bed is to remove weeds, add compost and top dress with mulch. This will keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from germinating.
Prepare your soil
Soil preparation is key to having a successful crop. The best way to prepare your soil is by adding organic matter like compost, manure, peat moss, leaf mold or mulch. This will improve drainage and add nutrients to the soil. If you don’t want to add any extra material, you can just dig it in yourself. It’s important to keep the top layer of soil moist during the growing season.
Early planting
The best time to plant is early January, before the weather gets too hot. This means choosing varieties that mature quickly so you don’t have to wait long for your first harvest. If you want to grow vegetables from seed, sow them in trays or pots in late winter and move them out once the ground warms up.
Mulch garden beds
Mulching is one of the most important ways to keep your garden looking great all year round. It helps retain moisture, keeps weeds at bay, stops slugs from eating your seedlings, and prevents frost heaving. The best mulches are organic – not only does it mean they won’t burn your roots, but they will break down naturally over time, helping to enrich the soil. If you don’t have access to organic material, you can always use straw or newspaper instead.
Boost the nutrients
The best way to boost the nutrient content of your garden is by adding compost. Compost improves the fertility of soils and helps build strong root systems. It also contains many beneficial microbes which feed on plant roots and increase the uptake of nutrients from the soil. This means that your plants will grow better and produce bigger crops.
Water early
The best way to prepare your garden for the summer is to start watering it now. If you wait until the last minute, you may find yourself having to water through the hottest part of the day. This will encourage evaporation and reduce the amount of water available to your plants.
Plan for extra shade
The best way to prepare for the summer is to plant early, so that you can take advantage of the spring warmth and sunshine. This will ensure that your plants grow quickly and flower well before the weather turns hot. If you wait until late June or July, you may find yourself having to move plants indoors because they won’t survive the heat.
List of herbs to grow in summer
- Basil
Basil is a wonderful herb to have around during the summer months. It is easy to grow from seed or transplanting, and it grows well in full sun. Basil is used in many dishes, including pesto, pasta sauce, salad dressings, and even ice cream.
- Cilantro
Cilantro is a great herb to grow in the summertime. It is drought tolerant and does not need much water once established. It is often used in Mexican cuisine and in Indian cuisine, but it is also good in salads and soups.
- Mint
Mint is a perennial herb that can be grown indoors or out. It is a popular herb in teas and cocktails. Mint is also used in cooking and baking, especially in desserts. Mint can soon take over your garden when established, so it is advisable to grow it in containers.
- Rosemary
Rosemary is a hardy evergreen shrub that can be planted in pots or in the ground. It is known for its strong scent and flavor, which makes it perfect for use in both savory and sweet dishes.
- Oregano
Oregano is an aromatic herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It is commonly used in Italian cooking and is a good source of vitamin K, manganese, iron, calcium, and fiber.
- Chives
Chives are easy to grow and require little maintenance. They have long stems and grow into clumps. You can use chives in salads or cook them like onions. To grow chives, you just need to sow the seeds in early spring. After the seeds sprout, you need to thin out the plants so that only two or three plants remain.
- Dill
Dill is a popular herb that is often used in cooking. It is also known as dill weed. It is a perennial herb that grows well in cool weather. You can grow dill in containers or in the garden. You can also buy dill seeds from UrbanMali nursery.
List of Vegetables to Grow in Summer at Home
- Tomatoes
Tomatoes are easy to grow and are a great addition to any garden or container. They are available year round and have many uses from fresh eating to making sauces and jams.
- Bell Peppers and Capsicum
Bell Peppers are a great source of vitamins C and K, and they are delicious when roasted or grilled. There are many different types of peppers including bell peppers, jalapenos, and chilis.
- Bhartha Brinjal
Brinjals are a member of the nightshade family and are grown for their fruit. It is a popular vegetable in Asian countries and is often used in Italian dishes.
- Beans
Beans are a good source of protein and fiber and are a staple food in many cultures. They are usually eaten dry but can be cooked into soups, stews, and salads.
- Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a cool weather vegetable. They are usually grown in soil or hydroponics. They are harvested while still young and tender.
- Brinjal
Brinjals are native to India and Southeast Asia. They are also known as aubergine. The name brinjal comes from Hindi, where it means 'a kind of eggplant'. Growing brinjals at home is easy, but requires a lot of patience. Plant them in a sunny location where they will receive plenty of sunlight. After planting, water regularly until the soil feels moist. When the plants start growing, keep them well watered. If the soil becomes dry, add some compost or manure to help retain moisture. Once the plants begin producing fruit, harvest them regularly.
- Bottle Gourd
Growing bottle gourds at home is easy, just follow these instructions:
- Plant seeds
- Water them regularly until they sprout
- When the seedlings reach about 6 inches tall, transplant them into individual pots.
- Keep them watered and fertilized
- Harvest when they are mature and ready for eating
- Onions
Growing onions at home is easy, just follow these instructions:
- Choose a location for your onion garden
- Dig a hole about 4 inches deep and place your onion seedling into the hole
- Cover the hole with soil and water well
- Keep the area moist until the plant grows roots
- When the plant has grown two sets of leaves, transplant it into a larger pot
- Continue watering the plants regularly until they reach maturity
- Harvest when the bulbs are firm and ready to use
- Store them in a cool dry place
- Enjoy!
- Spinach
Growing spinach at home is easy. All you need is a large pot, some soil, and a sunny window. To start growing spinach, simply place seeds into the soil and cover them with soil. Water the plants regularly until they sprout. Then, remove any weeds from around the spinach leaves. The spinach should be ready for harvest after about 45 days.
- Bhendi
Bhendi plants need plenty of water and sunlight. They should be planted in well-drained soil. Water them regularly and fertilize them once a month. If they start to wilt, then give them some extra light.
- Cowpeas
To grow healthy cowpeas plants at home, you need to provide them with adequate light, water, and nutrients. The best way to do this is to use a potting mix that has been specially designed for growing vegetables.
- Beans
Beans plants need to be watered regularly, and they should be kept away from direct sunlight. They also require fertilizer to grow well. If you want to grow them yourself, then you can start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before planting outside.
Summer Vegetable Growing Tips
Summer is here! And with it comes the need to grow vegetables.
But growing veggies isn't always easy. You might not know exactly what kind of soil you need, or what type of seeds to use.
So, we've come up with some tips to make vegetable gardening easier.
- Choose the Right Seeds
When choosing vegetable seeds, choose ones that are suited to your climate and soil conditions.
For example, if you live in a warm area, choose heat-loving plants such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and cucumbers.
If you live in a cool area, choose cool weather crops such as broccoli, lettuce, spinach, and peas.
And if you live in a humid area, choose water-loving crops such as beans, corn, melons, and squash.
- Prepare the Garden Space
Before planting anything, prepare the garden space.
Dig holes deep enough to accommodate the root system of each plant.
Remove weeds and debris from the ground.
Add organic matter such as composted manure or cocopeat to the soil.
- Plant in the Right Place
Plant your seedlings in the right place.
Seeds germinate best when planted directly into the ground.
However, if you're using transplants, be sure to plant them in the right spot.
Transplants usually require less effort than direct seeding.
They are pre-germinated and then planted in their final location.
- Water Well
Watering is an important part of vegetable gardening.
Make sure to water well after planting.
Keep the soil moist until roots develop.
- Mulch
Mulching helps prevent weeds and keeps moisture in the soil.
Use mulch to cover the top layer of soil.
Choose one that's appropriate for your climate and soil conditions, such as straw, pine needles, leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips.
- Use Fertilizer
Fertilize your plants once they sprout. Your veggies can be fertilized once a month as well. Manure or kitchen compost is the best fertilizer for your vegetables.
Useful Tips for Summer Gardening
- Seasonal plants endure the weather better
Summer gardening tips include planting seasonal vegetables and flowers.
Planting seasonally means you won't have to worry about what's growing where. Seasonal plants grow well in different parts of the country. They also thrive in different climates.
For example, tomatoes do best in warmer temperatures. But they can survive cold winters too. So plant them in pots or containers indoors, then move them outside once the weather warms up.
- Invest in a Shade Net
Shade gardening is one of the easiest ways to save money and time.
Gardening in the shade allows you to grow plants that would otherwise die in the heat. It also reduces the amount of water needed to maintain your garden.
If you have a large roof top, consider planting trees or shrubs that provide shade.
- Water plants at the right hour
Water plants at the right time of day to ensure maximum growth.
Plants need water to grow. If you water them too late or too early, you could stunt their growth.
If you water your garden at night, you might wake up to find that your plants are wilted.
To avoid these problems, water your plants at the right time each day.
- Shower your plants in small doses
Showering your garden plants in small amounts every few days will encourage growth.
Gardens need water to grow properly. Watering too much or too little can cause problems. Too much water causes roots to rot, while too little water leads to stunted growth.
Watering your garden plants in smaller amounts over longer periods of time will encourage growth. This method also helps prevent soil erosion and encourages healthier plant growth.
- Plants can be rewarding
Plants need water, sunlight, and fertilizer to grow. But they also need space to spread out and grow. If you give plants room to grow, they will reward you with beautiful flowers or delicious fruits.
When you plant seeds indoors, you can control how much space each seed gets. When you transplant outside, you can choose where to place your plants.
If you live in a city apartment, you might have limited outdoor space. In that case, you can use pots to create mini gardens inside your home.
- Companion Planting
Plant companion plants together to attract pollinators and repel pests.
Companion planting is a gardening technique where two or more plants are planted close together to improve each other's growth and health.
This method has been used for centuries to encourage bees, butterflies, birds, and other insects to visit flowers. It also helps deter unwanted pests such as slugs and snails.
There are many benefits to growing companion plants. For example, one plant can provide food for another while repelling pests. Companion plants also look great together and create a natural habitat for wildlife.
- Keep tab on soil moisture
Soil should be moistened regularly throughout the growing season. If it dries out too much, plants won't grow well.
If you water frequently, you'll also prevent weeds from sprouting.
- Prevent water from stagnating
Water should be moving through your garden, not sitting stagnant.
Stagnant water leads to algae growth, which can cause problems for your plants. Algae blooms can also lead to fish kills.
To prevent this problem, try these tips:
- Use a hose or sprinkler to move water around your yard.
- If you use a drip irrigation system, make sure it has a filter that removes debris.
- Make sure your irrigation system isn't clogged up.
- Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn.
- Flowering plants will help add some colour to a summer garden
Plants add color and beauty to any garden or yard. They also provide food for wildlife and pollinators.
Flowering plants are beautiful additions to any landscape. They attract butterflies and bees, which helps pollinate flowers and fruits.
Grow flowering plants in containers so you can move them around easily.
- Composting Saves Summer Plants
Composting saves plants in the summer.
If you compost, you won't need to buy expensive fertilizer or pesticides.
Plants grow faster when fertilized with organic matter such as compost.
Organic matter also helps soil retain moisture, so it's easier to water your garden.
- Mulch for healthy plants
Mulching is a great way to keep your garden healthy throughout the summer. It helps prevent weeds and keeps moisture levels down so your plants thrive.
Plants need water, nutrients, and air to grow properly. Mulching helps provide these things for your plants.
Mulch also prevents soil erosion and adds organic matter to the ground. This makes your soil healthier and easier to work with.
- Trimming Can Do Wonders For Your Plants
Trimming your plants helps them grow faster and look great.
If you've got a garden or yard, you know how important it is to trim your plants regularly.
This is true for houseplants too. They need to be trimmed so that they don't get too big and heavy.
- Rooftop Gardens Cool Your Home
Rooftop gardens are great ways to grow fresh vegetables and herbs in the summer heat.
Growing plants on rooftops can provide shade and cooling air circulation. It also helps prevent overheating and saves energy.
If you have a rooftop garden, you can use it to grow food for yourself or sell it to neighbors.
FAQ on Preparing Garden for Summer
When should I start getting my garden ready for summer months?
Spring is the best season to plant seeds indoors, such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, squash, and herbs. If you live in a cold climate, then you may want to wait until later in spring to plant these vegetables. The ideal temperature for planting seeds indoors is 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
How To Get Your Flower Garden Ready For Summer Months?
The best way to prepare for summer is to plant some flowers in pots. This way, you will be able to move them around to different areas of your garden when they start blooming. If you do not want to grow your own plants, you can also purchase them at local nurseries.
What is the perfect time to plant seeds for summer vegetables?
The best time to plant seeds is when the ground has warmed up, which means springtime. If you wait too long, the plants may be damaged by cold temperatures. However, don't plant seeds until the soil is moist enough to hold them. The best time to plant summer vegetables is between April and June. This is when the soil has warmed up and the plants can be planted. Summer vegetables include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, beans, squash, melons, and herbs.
What garden tools should a summer gardener have?
- Garden Hose to water the plants
- Garden gloves to keep your hands safe
- Garden trowel to dig holes for planting seeds and bulbs
- Hand pruners to cut back branches and twigs and trim shrubs and trees
- Weed trimmer to trim unwanted weeds
- Shovel to move soil
How do you prepare a flower bed for summer?
Preparing a flower bed for summer means digging out all the weeds, removing any rocks, and adding organic compost to the soil. Then, you need to water the plants regularly until they start growing again. Finally, you should mulch around the base of each plant to prevent weeds from sprouting. If you want to grow flowers, then you should plant them in pots first, and then transplant them into the garden when they are ready.
Can you add compost to your garden plant in the summer?
Yes, you can add compost to your garden plants in the summer. The best way to do this is to put some organic matter into a plastic bag and then place it in the sun for about 2 weeks. This process will help decompose any dead leaves or other organic matter that may be present. After two weeks, you should remove the compost from the sun and mix it well with soil. However, you should be careful when adding compost to your garden plants because they may absorb too much nitrogen from the compost. If you want to use compost for your garden plants, you should only add small amounts at a time.
Does a herb garden need full sun?
A herb garden needs full sun to grow well. However, some herbs like Basil or Tulsi do better in partial shade. If you live in a place where it gets too hot during the summer months, then you may want to consider growing herbs indoors.
Happy Gardening!
Dr Vandana K