What’s Happening in the Garden?
We’ve had a cool summer up until now, but August has not disappointed – it’s hot!
When the temps hit 80 degrees and above, water is critical. Our plants need all the
moisture they can get to continue to thrive, but don’t forget the little critters during these
hot days!
If it’s at all feasible for your garden, consider a simple water feature. It will provide the
life-saving moisture the critters need and you will love the soothing sounds it adds to
your garden experience. You can get a fancy, three-tiered one with splashing cupids, or
you can go simple. I bought a copper wash basin from a recycle shop for $40, added
rock from the yard, then popped in a small solar powered fountain for $25. It runs
during daylight hours for free, then shuts itself off at night. Cheap, easy, and
convenient.
If you like hummingbirds, you’ll love having a water feature. They are attracted by the
sounds of running water and will come from far and wide to dart in and out of it.
Pruning doesn’t sound like a summer chore, but it is indeed important. In the late
winter/early spring, we prune for form, in the sumer pruning lends itself more to function.
If your plants are thriving and you are offering them regular water, they may need
pruning to increase the airflow. If plant is happy, it produces lots of stems and leaves,
but too much green can decrease the airflow which in turns causes mildew (I know…it’s
always something!). Indeterminate tomato plants are a perfect example of this. This
year, mine went crazy and grew 9 feet tall. I had them in double cages and strapped to
the fence so they wouldn’t fall over (it looked ridiculous!), but their very abundance had
me pruning back leaves and stems every time I went into the garden. Espaliered trees
are also candidates for summer pruning. The baby fruit they’re nurturing needs good air
circulation, and pruning helps the tree send its nutrients to the fruit, rather than any
excess foliage.
And finally, while you’re patting yourself on the back for the beautiful garden you created
back in the spring, think about the upcoming fall season! Consider what you’ll plant for
fall veggies (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, lettuces, celery, kale) and where you’ll tuck those
bulbs for a gorgeous spring display of color.
There’s never a pause in gardening – thank goodness!
