By midsummer, the garden is in full glory. Roses hang heavy with bloom, tomatoes swell on the vine, and bees drift from bloom to bloom as if making their familiar rounds. The hard work of spring has paid off, and while the pace slows in the heat, there's still much to do to keep things thriving—and plenty of joy to be found while doing it.
This season is less about significant changes and more about tending, enjoying, and preparing for what comes next. Think of it as a long, golden exhale before autumn tiptoes in.
Here are ten things to do in the garden this summer (and five things to avoid):
1. Harvest Regularly
If you've planted vegetables, now's the time to gather the fruits of your labour. Tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, squash—many need daily picking to stay productive. This daily ritual of harvesting, snipping herbs before they flower, and gathering berries while they're perfectly sun-warmed and sweet is not just a task, but a source of pure joy and fulfillment.
2. Keep an Eye on Watering
Water deeply, ideally early in the morning. Deep watering will help roots grow strong and avoid evaporation, ensuring your plants are well-hydrated and healthy. Containers and young plants may need daily attention, especially during heat waves. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are worth their weight in gold this time of year.
3. Deadhead for Continued Blooms
Snip spent flowers to encourage new growth, particularly on dahlias, cosmos, and roses. It's a quick task that makes a difference—and keeps your borders from looking tired.
4. Plant Autumn Crops
It may feel far off, but the autumn harvest begins now. Start seeds for kale, chard, carrots, and beets. In warmer climates, late summer is also a good time to sow lettuce and spinach for a second harvest once the heat breaks.
5. Refresh Mulch
If mulch has broken down or thinned, top it up to conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay. In the hottest weeks, use straw, bark, or well-rotted compost to help the soil stay cool and hydrated.
6. Tidy Beds and Paths
Pull weeds after summer rain, edge beds that have grown shaggy, and sweep gravel or flagstone paths. A little tidying goes a long way in helping the garden feel fresh and well-loved.
7. Prune Wisely
Lightly shape shrubs that have finished flowering and remove dead or crossing branches. Avoid harsh pruning—focus on airflow and aesthetics. Always clean your tools between plants to prevent disease spread.
8. Feed Hungry Plants
Give heavy feeders—like roses, tomatoes, and cucumbers—a light boost with a natural liquid fertilizer every few weeks. Seaweed extract, compost tea, or fish emulsion work wonders without encouraging soft, sappy growth.
9. Protect What's Flourishing
Stake floppy blooms like dahlias, hollyhocks, or tall sunflowers before a summer storm topples them. Tie vines to supports and add shade cloth or row covers if your plants struggle in the sun.
10. Make the most out of the garden
This is the season to linger. Dine outside with garden-inspired tablescapes—vintage linens, porcelain dishes, cut flowers in jam jars. Pick a spot beneath a tree, pour something cold, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Note:Keep a small notebook or garden journal handy. Jot down what's thriving, what needs rethinking, areas that need to be filled, and ideas for autumn. It's the best way to plan for next year while everything's still in bloom.
5 Things NOT to Do this season
1. Don't Overwater or Overhead Water.
Too much water can be just as damaging as too little. Focus on deep, root-level watering in the early hours—especially for vegetables and containers.
2. Don't Plant or Transplant Perennials.
It's tempting to do more, but the summer heat is stressful on young or disturbed roots. Save any moving or dividing for cooler autumn days.
3. Don't Prune Spring-Blooming Shrubs.
Leave them be if you haven't pruned lilac, forsythia, or viburnum. You'll cut off next spring's flowers if you prune now. The best time for heavy pruning of spring-flowering shrubs, is right after flowering.
4. Don't Ignore Pests and Disease.
Warm, humid days are ideal for aphids, spider mites, and mildew. Keep an eye out for these common pests and diseases. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help control them, but prevention—like ensuring good airflow around your plants and regularly cleaning your gardening tools—is key to keeping your garden healthy and thriving.
5. Don't Forget to Enjoy It.
The garden isn't just a list of tasks. It's meant to be a sanctuary; to take breaks, eat outside, and bring in blooms for the table. Summer is fleeting, and the garden is meant to be enjoyed. So, take a moment to appreciate the beauty you've created and the joy it brings.
Conclusion
This is the season the garden was made for—the heady scent of roses, tomatoes warm from the sun, and the satisfaction of gathering what you've grown with your own two hands. The days may be long and hot, but the rhythm of summer gardening is steadier and more forgiving. It's the time to enjoy it fully and begin to look just slightly ahead. So pull up a chair beneath your favorite tree, pour a cool beverage, and take it all in—every bloom, every birdcall, every small triumph. The garden is at its most generous now. Let it be where you can slow down and feel at home.
Elizabeth Evans
As the Founder of Lineage Design Co., I curate British heritage interiors and French country style rooted in tradition, nature, and craftsmanship. With a background in art and garden design, I specialize in 18th- and 19th-century nature-inspired antiques, from carved furniture to European floral textiles. My husband and I are restoring a French-inspired cottage and garden in Salt Lake City, where we live with our two pointers, a Maine Coon, and a small flock of chickens.
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