The weather has been bizarre all over the US this summer. Boston just had its wettest July on record and Phoenix it's hottest. So how does that affect your garden? I really can't answer that in a universal way. Each and every garden bed - no matter if they are in different states or in your front or back yard has its own microclimate. The soil is different, drainage is different, sun patterns differ.
What I do know is that there as several things you should always do in your garden on a regular basis to monitor and maintain them:
1. Check the moisture level of the soil. Stick your finger in it, or use a soil probe to see if the soil is moist before you water. If it has been cooler than normal and maybe even cloudier, you may not need to water – even if it is watering day!
2. Look for sick or diseased plants. Do the leaves look different – perhaps eaten up, curling up, spotted or yellowing? Look under the leaf to see what’s ‘bugging’ your plant. Remove them or treat them (responsibly – no chemicals please!)
3. Deadhead flowers (no not Jerry Garcia Deadhead) – pinch or cut off the dead blooms on annuals and perennials to encourage new blooms.
4. Lightly prune any broken branches on trees and shrubs.
5. Apply several inches of mulch to the top of your garden bed to help keep moisture in and reduce weeds (that compete for water).
6. Apply a layer of compost to the top of your garden bed, no need for fertilizer!
7. Harvest any vegetables or fruit that are ready to eat and enjoy them for the next meal!
8. Admire your garden or landscape and be proud of your creativity and hard work!
9. Share it with friends by have a summer cookout.
Just few minutes in your garden every day will help you catch a problem before it gets out of control and help you also notice all the wonderful things that are happening in nature.
Don’t forget to slow down and stop to smell the roses!
Happy Digging,
Doreen Pollack aka the Garden Goddess
www.down2earthgardens.com
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