Cold + Bold Canada™ - Late Summer Garden Care Tips
Late summer is one of my favourite times in the garden. While much of the garden’s hard work is behind us, here are a few tips to help it stay healthy, colourful and productive well into fall.
Late Summer Garden Care Tips
Late summer is one of my favourite times in the garden. Flower beds are lush and full, annual containers spill over with vibrant colour, and six foot trails of 'Margarita' sweet potato vine add a dramatic touch. Summer-blooming perennials such as Rainbow Rhythm® daylilies, Profusion salvias, and false sunflowers are still putting on a spectacular show.
At the same time, Rock 'N Grow® sedums and panicle hydrangeas are beginning to develop their rich late-season colours, promising a beautiful autumn display, while bees, butterflies, and other pollinators gather the season’s remaining nectar.
While much of the garden’s hard work is behind us, here are a few tips that will help it stay healthy, colourful and productive well into fall.
Hot afternoons and dry spells can still be part of the garden tableau in late summer, so continue watering deeply rather than frequently to encourage strong, resilient root systems. Early morning is the best time to water to give plants time to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day sets in. A fresh layer of mulch will also help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature and suppress late season weeds.
Keep the Colours Bright
Many annuals, hanging baskets and containers are still working hard to produce flowers. Continue fertilizing them according to label directions to encourage fresh blooms. Lightly trimming zealous growth also encourages fresh blooms and helps to squeeze every drop of beauty out of the growing season.
Deadheading repeat-blooming perennials like Rainbow Rhythm® 'Going Bananas' daylily, 'Lemon Purrfection’ catmint, Fruit Punch® pinks, or any of the Firefly yarrows encourages more flowering and keeps the garden looking tidy.
Keep Ahead of Potential Problems
Warm days followed by cool nights can encourage powdery mildew or other fungal diseases, so take a daily stroll through the garden and check leaves for signs of disease or insect damage. Removing affected foliage early and improving air circulation can short-circuit disease problems before they get a foothold.
Thoughts About the Weeks Ahead
While there is no need to rush summer out the door, late summer is also the perfect time to begin planning for autumn planting because trees, shrubs, and hardy perennials establish beautifully in the cooling temperatures of fall. As you enjoy your garden, take note of empty spaces, colour gaps or areas that could use more height, texture or seasonal interest. Taking a few photos now can become valuable planning tools later.
Kodiak Spiced™ diervilla in late summer.
Late summer is a time to appreciate what you’ve accomplished. Cut a bouquet for the kitchen table or simply sit outside with a cup of coffee and watch the bees at work.
Gardens have a way of reminding us that every season has its own unique beauty. A little care during these late summer weeks will help your garden finish strong while setting the stage for a healthy, vibrant autumn—and an even more beautiful garden next spring.
