Summer is beautiful in our sunny state, but it can be harsh on plants. Even though our summers are drier, your garden can thrive during this time of year with special attention. Interested in keeping your garden going throughout the hottest months? Here, we share tips for ensuring that your plants continue to flourish:
Water According to Plants’ Needs
We all know that plants need water, but you can take your green thumb up a notch by paying close attention to the plant’s specific needs. For example, veggies, annuals, and perennials will do best with deep–but not necessarily frequent–watering. Although you may be inclined to give a light watering daily, this practice will keep the roots near the soil’s surface. Shallow, frequent watering isn’t great for root health, so you’re better off spending a few minutes in the morning saturating the base of the plants. You can do this every other day or even once every few days, making sure not to splash the foliage (as this can cause fungal damage). Please remember that container-grown plants need more frequent watering, as the soil will dry out more quickly.
Provide Sun Protection
It’s not just humans who need sun protection—plants need a respite from the sun’s rays, too! You can think of mulch as sunscreen for your garden. Layering your garden with mulch a couple of inches deep will help prevent the soil from cracking or drying out between waterings. Mulch is also effective at keeping roots cooler, deterring weeds from growing, and retaining water. Chemical-free grass clippings are ideal for vegetables, and shredded bark or nugget mulches are great for ornamental plants.
Cultivate the Soil
To maximize the water plants get, take a few minutes to cultivate the soil as often as possible. This can be as simple as lightly scratching the soil with your fingertips before watering. Cultivating the soil is a tried-and-true method for keeping weed growth at bay while opening up air channels for enhanced water infiltration.
With more than 300 sunny days a year, the Denver metropolitan area can be a tricky place to keep a garden growing. Although the sun is vital to plant health, the drier climate can pose a challenge. If you’re committed to keeping your garden healthy all year round, the tips highlighted here may help you meet your goals. If you’ve been dreaming of a yard perfect for gardening, we’d love for you to explore available homes here in Independence. Whether you’d like to use your backyard or carve out a spot for yourself in our community gardens, our neighborhood is ideal for those who love the outdoors. Please contact our team to inquire about move-in ready homes or learn more about our conservation community.