When summer arrives, think of your garden as one big workshop. Through trial and error planting, and observing your garden during its peak growth period, you will quickly determine what you like and what you don't.

Summer is when you'll start to see the maturation cycles of different plants start to come to fruition.

This is the time you'll discover if your planting has created any "log jam" situations. For example, your garden may look spectacular for three weeks in July, only to fall flat by mid-August because no other bloom activity follows.

In many ways, summer is the season you will learn the most about your garden's patterns. Take notes, add and remove plants as you go and don't be afraid to experiment.

In the truest sense, gardens are a living work in progress. Make yourself a part of it, since ultimately, a bit of research and planning are all it takes to help you become a truly "constant gardener". 

June - things to do

TREES AND SHRUBS  - continue to prune after flowering 
- trim evergreens and hedges while new growth is still tender 

ANNUALS  - begin deadheading to promote continuous bloom 
- water transplants regularly until they are well established 

PERENNIALS  - stake and support where needed 
- apply mulch to beds 
- pinch back late flowering varieties to encourage bushiness 

BULBS AND TUBERS  - remove foliage when yellow 
- continue to plant out summer bulbs for successive bloom 

ROSES  - watch for pests such as aphids and remove with a strong stream of water from the hose 
- examine for blackspot and treat if necessary

VEGETABLES  - thin rows 
- cage or support tomatoes 
- direct sow crops requiring warm soil such as beans, squash 

HERBS  - begin harvesting perennial herbs such as mint 

LAWNS  - apply weed and feed fertilizer 

PATIO/CONTAINER PLANTS   - take advantage of the sales to pot up extra containers as fill-ins for empty spots in the garden in the months to come 

THE GARDENER   - inhale the scent of roses, admire your successful colour combinations and keep making notes for next year 
 
 
 

July - things to do

TREES AND SHRUBS  - trim hedges regularly
- thin out shrubs at the base 

ANNUALS  - fertilize every two weeks
- water deeply once a week in dry conditions 
- pinch back any stragglers for renewed growth 

PERENNIALS  - deadhead and/or shear back to promote repeat bloom
- turn the compost and add it to beds
- top up mulch where necessary 

BULBS AND TUBERS  - lift tulip bulbs if desired and store
- stake dahlias 

ROSES  - continue monitoring for pests and diseases and treat where necessary
- clean up any diseased foliage
- fertilize 

VEGETABLES  - continue to thin rows
- fertilize
- harvest herbs before flowering to dry 

HERBS  - enjoy cooking with herbs such as summer savory 

LAWNS  - keep lawn mower blade especially high in dry conditions
- water deeply once a week 

PATIO/CONTAINER PLANTS   - fertilize weekly
- water daily in windy, dry conditions
- move containers around for a “new” look on your deck/patio 

THE GARDENER   - relax and enjoy 
 
 

August - things to do

TREES AND SHRUBS  - no fertilizer after mid-month 
- inspect for pests 
- propagate cuttings 

ANNUALS  - shear back at beginning of month to encourage re-blooming 
- begin collecting seeds to save 
- dry flowers for arrangements 

PERENNIALS  - no fertilizer after mid-month 
- stake tall, autumn flowering varieties 

BULBS AND TUBERS  - order spring flowering bulbs for fall planting 

ROSES  - no fertilizer after mid-month 
- continue to treat for pests and diseases 

VEGETABLES  - sow cool weather vegetable seeds such as spinach and lettuce for fall crop 

HERBS  - take cuttings of tender herbs, such as scented geraniums, as you harvest to enjoy inside 

LAWNS  - assess for re-seeding next month and buy seed 

PATIO/CONTAINER PLANTS   - continue to fertilize weekly 
- remove any spent annuals 

THE GARDENER   - make time to sit on that bench (or lie in that hammock) you installed this year 
 
 
 

Tip: Divide Easy-Care Perennials 

Divide perennials such as daylilies now. Dig up clumps, separate out young plants, discard diseased or damaged roots, amend the soil with compost, and replant at the same depth as they were in the original bed. 

Tip: Start Fragrant Fall Annuals 

Start seeds of fragrant annuals such as snapdragon, stock, and sweet alyssum to transplant into the garden this fall. Keep seedlings well watered and once plants have 4 to 6 true leaves, transplant them into containers and garden beds. 

Tip: Fertilize Strawberries 

Strawberries are heavy feeders. After harvest, supply plants with 5 pounds of a complete fertilizer such as 5-10-5 for every 100 square feet of bed and side dress with compost. Repeat in mid-August. 

Grass Clippings 

When mowing the lawn, leave the grass clippings. Clippings can add nutrients (nitrogen) back to the lawn, while not adding to thatch buildup. Use a mulching mower, if possible, to make smaller clippings that decompose faster. 

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