Summer equals many things to different gardeners. The sunshine and warm climate allow the plants to reach their fullest potential. But it can also mean the garden having to suffer from the wilting effects of the sun’s heat.

Summer usually brings many challenges to the gardener. During summer, gardeners have to take the time and effort to ensure their gardens are healthy and in good shape. To help you, here are some of the top tips for gardening in the summer. Before we begin, here’s a bonus tip: ensure that you have all of the fully working, functional and quality gardening tools and equipment that you need – the planning is one of the vital parts for having a stunning garden this summer.

Use mulch to protect the soil from the sun

Mulch is one of the best things you can do to protect your garden from the sun. Spread about a two-inch deep layer of this all over your garden. It will act as a shield from the sun and keep the soil cooler. This prevents the garden from losing moisture due to evaporation.

Dealing with pesky weeds

Weeds are inevitable. Even well-kept gardens still have weeds and it is in the summer when they come out more so than usual. Fortunately, there are many ways to deal and deter them from growing. Yanking them out then applying mulch, cultivating the soil, or using weed mats can keep these weeds from growing.

Avert Mildew by Watering Early

Mildew is one of the common garden problems during the summer. The best way to avert mildew is to water early in the morning. However, it’s also great to water in the afternoon as it gives enough time for the foliage to dry out. This effectively reduces the risk of mildew and other fungi.

Correct Mineral Deficiencies through Water

During summer, the best time to water the plants is during in the cool part of the day. That’s usually in the early morning and late afternoon. When you water the plants, do it deeply and make use of this opportunity to correct any mineral deficiency. Do this by adding the necessary nutrients to the water.

Remove Spent Flowers to Get More Blooms

Known as deadheading, removing spent flowers can make you see more blooms in your garden. This process helps to prevent the production of seeds. It allows the plants to put more energy into making more blooms. Additionally, it cuts into the self-seeding of plants that makes your garden weedy.

Watch Out for Pests

Both weeding and keeping pests away must be done throughout the year. However, it’s on midsummer that pests are particularly pesky, which leads to garden challenges. Pests’ activity increases when soils are moist and warm so don’t keep your garden that way. You can also use pest products but make sure it’s non-toxic.

Harvest Your Vegetables

Don’t let the hot weather stop you from making the most out of your vegetable garden. Plant more vegetables and keep up with your harvests. This will encourage the production of more plants as well as limit the presence of pests and diseases, which keeps your garden in good shape.

These are some of the best tips you can do this summer to keep your garden looking good. With these tips, you won’t have to worry about the sun wilting your plants away. Enough water and a little tender loving care, your garden will still be lush and green the whole summer.