Has the weather been warming up where you are? Spring is the iconic season of gardens, and it is easy to feel like the oncoming summer is an enemy of your plants. Here are three quick, but tried-and-true tips that this Sweet Feeders family is implementing, and that can help you, too!
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Mulch, mulch, MULCH!
Fresh, thick mulch not only makes your flowerbeds look 100 times better, it also helps with water retention. Piling on the mulch as summer approaches helps to protect tender roots of new plants, and also shields the soil from direct sun rays. A protective blanket of mulch slows the evaporation of water from the soil, thus making better use of your water, and prolonging the effect of a good rain or watering.
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Water in the evening.
Just as a nice layer of mulch helps the soil to retain water for a longer period of time, watering in the evening gives plants more time to absorb water. If you water your flower beds in the cool of the morning, the window of time for roots to absorb that moisture before it evaporates is still quite small. Watering in the evening, however, ensures that your plants have a whole night to soak up the water and rejuvinate before they are hit by the sun again.
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Prune “rain shoots.”
As Spring draws to a close, plants are often bursting with life. The long-awaited warmth of the sun after winter, and the abundance of rain inevitably lead to new growth all over even the oldest perennial. You may notice that a good bit of that new growth happens along the formerly-bare trunks of ornamental trees, or in long, lush shoots from shrubs. These shoots also appear in summer after a good rain, and it doesn’t feel right to cut such vibrant, thriving growth! The point of pruning is not just looks, though; pruning these quick-growing “suckers” ensures that all of the new energy from a rain is evenly dispersed for the health of the entire plant, not just the fast-growing shoots. Wise pruning leads to the overall health and longevity of your garden.
Also recommended for summer gardening: a good hat, large pitcher of lemonade, and friend to chat with while you work. 🙂
Happy Summer!
Caitlynn
Born a world traveler, Caitlynn has settled in Cleburne to continue doing what she loves – investing in her family and community while capturing beauty with her camera and her writing. Caitlynn also has a background in customer service, administrative support, and sales. She is married to her highschool sweetheart, Ryan.
