Summer. The season of sun, barbecues, and…planting? Absolutely! While spring is often hailed as the prime planting season, summer offers a unique opportunity to extend your gardening season and enjoy a fresh harvest or a vibrant display of blooms. This guide will navigate the ins and outs of planting in summer, helping you cultivate a flourishing garden even when the mercury rises.
The immediate assumption is that summer planting is a recipe for disaster, given the intense heat. However, with the right plants and techniques, summer planting can be surprisingly rewarding. One of the biggest advantages is the extended growing season. You can squeeze in a second harvest of fast-growing vegetables, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh produce. It's also a great time to add late-blooming flowers for continuous colour in your garden. Furthermore, if you missed the spring planting window, summer offers a second chance to get your hands dirty and see results quickly. In many regions, the soil is already warmed, providing an ideal environment for rapid root development for summer annuals, perennials, and even some vegetables. The long daylight hours further accelerate plant growth, meaning you'll see your garden mature faster. It's a bit like giving your plants a turbo boost!
Summer planting can also offer some surprising benefits for your overall garden ecosystem. Planting cover crops in the summer can help suppress weeds and improve soil health for fall planting. It can also act as a natural mulch, helping the soil retain moisture. Consider sowing a cover crop like buckwheat or oats. For example, a buckwheat planting in summer is quick and easy, providing quick ground cover. Similarly, summer planting can also rejuvenate a tired garden bed. By adding compost and planting summer annuals, you can give your beds a fresh look and vitality.
Moreover, planting in summer is a fantastic way to experiment with new varieties. Garden centres will often have plants that thrive in warmer climates. You can try growing heat-tolerant crops like okra, sweet potatoes (depending on your climate), or even a late crop of green beans. This experimentation can expand your gardening skills and diversify your harvest.
Selecting the right plants is crucial for success in summer planting. Certain plants are naturally better suited to withstand high temperatures and dry conditions, while others will struggle. Heat-tolerant vegetables, for example, are your best bet. Some of the most successful include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and certain varieties of beans and squash. These plants can not only survive the summer heat but often thrive in it, producing abundant harvests.
When it comes to flowers, look for summer-blooming annuals and perennials. Examples include zinnias, marigolds, petunias, coneflowers (Echinacea), and black-eyed Susans. These plants are built to withstand the sun and will provide vibrant colour throughout the season. Be sure to select varieties that are specifically labeled as heat-tolerant. Remember that local nurseries and garden centres are your best resource for finding plants that will thrive in your specific climate. They can offer expert advice based on your region's conditions.
Don't forget about herbs! Many herbs, such as basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano, love the sun and can easily be planted in summer. They are relatively low-maintenance and can provide fresh flavour to your summer cooking. Before you start your planting, assess your local climate and consider the amount of sunlight each area of your garden receives. Understanding these factors will help you choose the right plants and place them where they will thrive.
Once you've chosen your plants, the next step is to ensure they thrive. Summer planting requires extra care and attention, particularly regarding watering and soil preparation. Proper watering is, arguably, the most crucial aspect. Water deeply and regularly, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid overhead watering, which can lead to fungal diseases. Instead, consider using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the roots.
Soil preparation is also critical. Amending your soil with compost or other organic matter improves its drainage and water-retention capabilities. Before planting, ensure the soil is well-drained. This is especially important, given summer's potential for heavy downpours. A good soil structure will help prevent root rot. Mulching around your plants with organic materials, such as straw or wood chips, also helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulch is essentially a plant's best friend.
Protecting your plants from extreme heat is another important tip. If you're experiencing a heatwave, consider providing shade, particularly for young plants. This can be as simple as using shade cloth or strategically placing plants in areas that receive some afternoon shade. Be vigilant about pest and disease control. Summer can be a prime time for these issues, so regularly inspect your plants and take appropriate action if necessary. Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and spider mites.
Summer is an excellent time to extend your harvest of vegetables. Fast-growing vegetables are your best friend. For example, you can succession plant your favorite vegetables every few weeks to get a continuous supply throughout the summer and into early fall. Consider these options for planting in summer:
In addition to these, consider planting late-season crops of tomatoes and peppers. These heat-loving vegetables can often produce a second flush of fruit during the late summer. Proper watering, soil preparation, and pest control are critical to their success.
Here are some of the most common questions about planting in summer:
Absolutely! Tomatoes are heat-loving plants and can thrive when planted in summer. Be sure to choose varieties suitable for your climate and provide them with plenty of water and sunlight.
Zinnias, marigolds, petunias, and coneflowers are excellent choices for summer planting. These plants are typically very heat-tolerant and will bring vibrant colour to your garden.
Water deeply and regularly, especially during the hottest parts of the day. The frequency will depend on your climate and the specific plants you're growing, but always err on the side of providing adequate moisture. Consider using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to ensure the roots receive water directly.