Mid-Summer Gardening Challenges

3. Pests and Diseases

Plants aren’t the only things that love the summer sun. Mid-summer also supports the perfect environment for garden pests like aphids, slugs, and spider mites that love to feed on young leaves and stems. Knowing which “critters” are beneficial to our gardens (like monarch butterfly eggs and larvae) vs. harmful (Japanese beetle) helps to support a healthy ecosystem. Finally, heat, moisture, and humidity encourage fungal diseases like powdery mildew and blight.

4. Soil Degradation

Repeated watering, heat, and soil compaction due to gardeners’ feet and equipment cause the soil to harden, reducing air and water flow to plant roots. Also, over time, nutrients leach out faster due to frequent rain or watering schedules.

5. Wind and Storm Damage

Summer storms can break stems, uproot plants, and damage fruits and flowers. Also, strong winds can leach moisture from leaves and stems, causing plants to dry out more quickly.

6. Invasive Weeds

Not only do our garden plants thrive in mid-summer, but so do noxious weeds. If these are left unchecked, they will choke out beneficial plants as they compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients.

7. Gardener Fatigue

Working in the garden can be tough any time of year. However, working in the heat of mid-summer gardens can be particularly exhausting or even dangerous. Gardeners need to be aware of safe sun practices and their physical limitations.

1. Managing Extreme Heat and Sun Conditions

Every plant has its unique sun exposure requirement. Ensure that you consider each plant’s sunlight requirements before positioning it in the garden (e.g., full sun, partial sun, shade, etc.). Too much sun will scorch and burn shade-lovers like some varieties of impatiens and begonias. Too little sun for sun-lovers like petunias and zinnias will produce leggy growth and fewer blossoms. Also, some plants, especially those that are younger or more delicate, appreciate a bit of shade during the hottest parts of the day.

Remember to:

• Mulches help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• If you use an organic mulch, like tree bark, remember that the bark continues to break down as summer progresses. Adding a fresh layer helps keep plants cool and hydrated.

2. Water Stress: Overwatering/Underwatering

Both overwatering and underwatering can cause similar symptoms: wilting and yellowing leaves and leggy growth. However, consider overwatering as the problem if you notice root rot, soggy soil, mold, and white fungus growth on the soil surface, or blisters on leaves due
to edema. Underwatering may be the culprit if you see dropping leaves, crispy or brown leaves, or stunted growth.

Remember to:

• Always check the soil’s moisture level before watering. For most plants, the soil should be slightly damp.
• Establish a regular and consistent watering routine.
• Know your garden plants’ watering needs
• Consider using rain barrels, drip irrigation systems, or soaker hoses.

3. Diseased Plants and Pests

Check garden plants regularly to assess the health of your plants. Look for leaves that have holes on them or have chew marks, yellowing leaves, the active presence of bugs, eggs, or larvae, etc. If you find these, don’t worry. You don’t need to be an expert gardener to know what to do next. There are plenty of great online garden books and online resources that can help you differentiate between beneficial insects and harmful ones, and what you can do to remedy the issue.

Remember to:

• Encourage beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, spiders, and birds in the garden.
• Practice healthy spacing between plants and consider crop rotation.
• Neem oil and insecticidal soap are eco-friendly and effective choices for many summer pests.

4. Improve the Garden’s Soil Health

Use compost, worm castings, or organic fertilizers. Even if you have amended the soil prior to planting, by mid-summer, nutrients in the soil often become depleted as the season progresses. Also, the stress from extreme heat and drought amps up the need for extra nutritional support. Symptoms of nutrient deficiencies vary depending on the issue, but regular use of soil amendments and/or a balanced organic fertilizer usually keeps most plants happy.

Remember to:

• To follow fertilizer instructions carefully
• Use environmentally friendly ones
• Don’t overdo it.

5. Protect Plants Against Wind Storms

Stake taller plants such as tomatoes, sunflowers, delphiniums, and peonies to prevent being snapped during high winds. Also, some supports, such as tomato cages and netting, can provide additional protection against hail.

Remember to:

• Consider using fences, tall hedges, or temporary barriers as wind breaks
• Remove damaged leaves and branches as soon as possible after the storm to prevent the spread of disease.

6. Keep Weeds Under Control

Consider using low-growing plants to prevent weed growth. When possible, pull weeds while they are small and before they go to seed. And don’t forget the mulch.

Remember to:

• Use mulch to retain moisture
• Use mulch to regulate soil temperature
• Use mulch to inhibit weed emergence and growth

7. Remember to Garden Safely

Avoid the high heat of the midday sun and garden during the early morning or evening hours whenever possible.

Remember to:

• Stay well hydrated
• Take frequent breaks
• Wear a hat and use sunscreen
• Listen to your body.