Summer Prep: Your Garden's Checklist!
Summer in Southern California brings beautiful sunshine, backyard barbecues, beach trips, and it also heralds a brand new season for our gardens! Here's a quick guide to prepping your SoCal garden for a fabulous, bloom-filled summer:
Treat your soil to a spa day
Start with soil rejuvenation. Think of it as a much-deserved spa day for your garden after its winter slumber. Summer can be demanding on your soil, so it's time for a nutrient boost. Use compost or an organic soil amendment to help your soil retain moisture and provide nutrients. Remember, happy soil makes for happy plants!
Time for a seasonal wardrobe change
Some plants love the heat, while others might wilt under the SoCal sun. To avoid any plant drama, consider adding heat-tolerant, drought-resistant plants to your summer garden lineup. Plants such as the vibrant Lantana, graceful Agave, and hardy California Poppy are just like us locals—they love soaking up the sun!
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Just like your skin needs extra hydration during the summer, so do your plants. The key to successful summer hydration is deep watering. The goal is to encourage your plants to extend their roots deeper into the soil where it's cooler and more moisture-laden. Water early in the morning before the day gets too hot.
Mulch Ado About Nothing
Mulch is the unsung hero of summer gardening. It's a fantastic tool to retain soil moisture and keep those plant roots cool. Mulch also gives your garden a neat, finished look, and who doesn't love a tidy garden?
Shady Business
We all need a break from the sun sometimes. Consider creating shaded areas in your garden to protect sensitive plants. Installing a simple shade cloth or even buying a mini umbrella can provide a cool haven for your green pals.
Bug Off
Summer means pest season, but you've got this! Encourage beneficial bugs and birds that eat pests by creating a welcoming environment. Birdbaths, birdhouses, and native flowering plants will make your garden irresistible to these helpful critters. Also, consider natural pest deterrents, like marigolds and chrysanthemums, which add a pop of color while keeping those pesky bugs at bay.
Prune-tastic
Lastly, give your plants a stylish summer haircut. Pruning promotes new growth, keeps plants healthy, and helps shape them. Check the best pruning practices for each type to avoid any botanical faux pas.
Getting ready for summer in SoCal is not just about preparing your garden. It's about preparing yourself for the joy of summer gardening. Grab your sunhat, lather on some sunscreen, crank up your favorite tunes, and get gardening! Your green friends are ready to bloom, and together, you'll create a summer paradise right in your backyard.
Happy Gardening!
- The Vegi Patch team
