End Of Summer Garden Blues
Late in the summer is when many gardeners throw in the trowel and want to give up. It’s just simply too hot, the garden is weedy and overgrown, and container gardens are leggy and require a lot of attention. Not to mention the insects have had a feast on your plants (those munching grasshoppers and slugs just don’t seem to quit).
But don’t give up!
Below are some tips to survive in the late summer garden…
TIP 1
Manage Your Containers
If your plants are overgrown in their container, prune by 1/3 to reshape to an appropriate size.
If water needs have become too much and your plant has become root bound – transplant directly from the container to a well-amended garden bed. When selecting a location, match its needs for sun, soil and water. Be sure to check on it for the first week after transplant until it adjusts to its new home.
TIP 2
The Edit
If your tomatoes are past their prime and insect damage has taken your joy…edit by removing plants. It might feel hard to pull a plant you’ve worked so hard to grow, but growing is a process. Everything has a season and very soon you can look forward to planting a new favorite!
TIP 3
Recharge That Soil
Give your soil a boost so it can feed your plants. Top dress with compost and add an organic fertilizer such as Garden Tone. Your plants will thank you with healthy new growth.
TIP 4
Succesion Sow
Fall is a second Spring here in zone 9a. We can grow easily 10 1/2 months a year. So refresh those beds and containers with some fast growing annual color to pick up your gardening spirit. We love Zinnias, Cosmos, Celosia, Gomphrena, and Alyssum!
