As summer begins to end, your garden enters an important stage. Plants can be stressed by the heat, and pests are the most aggressive, balancing harvesting and preparation for autumn and winter. End of summer garden care is about maintenance, rejuvenation and positive thinking.
1. Water wisely
The heat in the end of summer can quickly dehydrate plants, but taking water can be just as damaging.
Water deep and early in the day to reduce evaporation and avoid fungal problems.
Check soil moisture 2-3 inches below before watering.
Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to target roots and conserve water.
Group thirsty containers together in the shade to reduce stress.
2. Deadhead and Prune
Many annuals and perennials are tidy.
Deadhead used flowers to encourage new flowers (rose, zinnia, cosmos, marigolds).
Pruning leggies or overgrown plants such as coruleus, basil, and salvia to promote the growth of the buccier.
For perennial plants such as coneflowers and black-eyed Susan, consider leaving seed heads for the birds.
3. Manage pests and diseases
The end of summer is prime time for garden pests.
Beware of hornworms, aphids and squash bugs. Use a hand pick or insecticide soap if necessary.
Especially focus on powdery mold, cucumbers and zucchini. Neem oil or milk spray can help.
Remove and dispose of diseased leaves, but do not compost!
Have you stuck to the problem of illness? Use your garden to help!
4. Selective feed
The plant is being entangled or ready for a fall flash.
Years and Vegetables: Gives the amount of light from liquid fertilizer to support late season growth.
Perennials: Avoid fertilizers now. You don’t want to encourage gentle new growth that can damage frost.
Compost top dressing is a gentle way to boost soil without shocking roots.
5. Mulch and weeds (again)
Weeds compete for water and nutrients and quickly become seeds at this time of year.
Apply a layer of fresh mulch (2-3 inches) to control moisture, cool soil and weeds.
Pull the weeds regularly, especially before going to seed.
For a vegetable bed, use grass cutouts, fine leaves, or straws as organic mulch.
6. Update the container
Heat and frequent watering allow the tired container to be placed by August.
Replaces used years for heat-resistant or metastatic plants such as decorative grass, rudbechia, coryus, mum.
Add fresh soil or compost to increase the tired pan.
Consider swapping summer flowers with early autumn bloomers like asters and decorative chili peppers.
7. Organized bed and rejuvenating bed
A little seasonal refresh can extend the lifespan of your garden.
Remove plants made for the season (such as lettuce or peas with bolts).
Reseed or repot bare spots with fast-growing crops (radish, arugula, baby greens).
Trim herbs like thyme and oregano to promote fresh, compact growth.
8. Supports pollinators and wildlife
Despite the declining seasons, native insects and birds still need resources.
Continue planting end-of-summer nectar sources like Echinacea, Goldenrod, and Bee Balm.
Pebbles provide shallow water dishes for butterflies and bees.
Put some herbs in the flowers, like basil, dill and mint bloom, to nourish beneficial insects.
9. Observe and plan autumn
Use this transition time to take notes and plan ahead
What flourished? What was your struggle?
Use Garden Manager to upload photos and track notes
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Start thinking about crop rotations and what to plant in autumn or next spring
I’m referring to past Hortisketches and planning to spin the crops over the next season.
10. Look ahead
Start planning for autumn bulbs for spring flowering
I’ll plant garlic for next year
Consider winter crops such as winter rye grass.
