The first day of summer is around the corner, and our gardens need a few things to prepare for a new season of hot and sunny weather. We asked Rebecca Sears, chief marketing officer and “resident green thumb” at home gardening company Ferry-Morse, what gardeners can do now to help plants thrive in the summertime.
Refresh the Soil
Once plants are in the ground, it’s easy to not give the soil a second thought. But Sears says dirt is what determines how well a garden can survive in the heat—it is the foundation, after all. “Healthy, well-prepared soil supports strong root growth, helps retain water, and gives plants access to the nutrients they need during the most demanding part of the growing season,” she explains.
Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean digging everything up and putting in new soil. “Before the season gets hot, take time to refresh garden beds by adding an all-purpose fertilizer, applying mulch, and making sure the soil can hold consistent moisture,” she says. These steps will support the nutrient and water uptake of everything you’re growing.
Check Your Water Setup
Just like us, plants need to stay hydrated during the warmer months. Before the season changes, it’s a good time to take inventory of your irrigation supplies. “It’s easy to focus on what you are planting, but how you water can make just as much difference once temperatures rise,” Sears says.
Check hoses, nozzles, and watering cans for cracks, leaks, or damage. If you have a rain collection barrel, make sure it is clean and free of debris. For larger gardens, sunny beds, or areas that dry out quickly, Sears says drip irrigation may be worth considering. “It delivers water directly to the root zone, which helps reduce waste and keeps moisture where plants need it most,” she says. “That makes it especially useful for vegetable gardens, flower beds, shrubs, and young trees heading into summer.”
